How to Back Up a Tractor Trailer (+ a Great Trucker Story) 

You are right about CDL schools only preparing you to pass the test. I was very lucky in that my neighbor drives, and brings his rig home with him. We would go to a big empty parking lot, and he would have me set up again and again. He also taught me the ‘electric side mirror blindside trick’! (Praise the Lord!) I feel like I’m a decent backer after 5 years, but I always get out and look. I have never damaged another piece of equipment. As a lady driver, I will agree with you about NOT following someone else’s spotting (I do trust my team partner.) - I appreciate the willingness of all the fellas who want to help me, but when you get some guy wiggling around behind your rig like Elvis... I don’t tell them this, but the only reason I’m watching them is to make sure I don’t run them over! lol (Ladies, this is why they teach you to look at the space between your dual wheels on your pre-trip inspection... you’ve got to make sure Elvis isn’t still stuck in there from yesterday! 😂) I love that story about the ‘good cop,’ too. What luck!

A tip for newbies and old truckers alike: if your trailer has manual (hand valve) air suspension, dump your trailer air bags BEFORE you touch whatever it is you are backing up against. You risk damaging your trailer, and many docks have bumper pads, so dumping your air bags while the trailer is against the building destroys and removes them, and this makes the owners/managers of places livid. A side story: I got a job working at a trucking warehouse while I was in driving school. I learned how to pass the test at school, and I learned how to be a trucker at work. It blows my mind how much they don't teach you in these schools. You'd think living in BC that they would show you how to chain-up, but many schools (including mine) skip this. Luckily some of the truckers at work were able to show me before I got a crash course of the shoulder of a snowy hill in the middle of a blizzard. I was never shown how to fuel a truck properly (I was filling only one side for a my first couple refuels haha), and not once did we go through a scale. I did learn how to do a good pre-trip and how to pass that test, so they did their job, but there is so much more to this industry that people need to learn before they hit the pavement with their full license.

4 years ago, When I worked for Swift (I went through their school to get my CDL) they didnt teach us the 45, I didnt learn how to really back until abt 6 months later when a home depot yard dog decided to take 15 minutes out of his day and teach me what no one else took the time to show me. Never had trouble backing into any hole after that.

Backing from a 90 is how they school's teach. I did not know about the 45 until another truck driver showed me.

been driving for 2 years now and i still struggle with backing up. thank u for this upload

Dave, you are absolutely right! It's all in the setup!! The most important point in backing. Thank you!!!

I always tell guys(spotters) to get out the way because I don’t trust them. Been solo for 3 years now not a scratch on anything lol. I have torn of some mud flaps though lol backing to close to the curb once I get in the whole...

When I started with JB hunt, the orientation instructor told us that one of their drivers was at a receiver and noticed a box sitting in the middle of the dock he was suppose to back into. The driver thought that box was empty. He didn't get out and check to make sure. He started to back and ran over the box thinking it was empty and backed up to the dock. Afterwards, he got out his truck, walked towards the back and looked at that box he ran over. There was a homeless guy inside who was obviously killed when his tires ran over and crushed the guy. I have no idea what happened to that driver because they never told us, but always check to make sure the area you are backing into is clear.

Damned straight about spotters. I’ve seen so many guys get enthusiastically waved right into buildings & other vehicles.

Your never too old to learn. I dont care how long you've been behind the wheel . Idle speed is how I approach it. I trip out on guys who just floor it as they're backing. Great vid!

So you're the guy that took my bumper off all those years ago. :) :) Love your videos!

I always 45 back with my yard jockey truck, I never understood 90. I also used to practice blindside parking every chance I got just to get a practiced feel for it. One thing I did do with a friend of mine who teams was to have the 2nd driver use a drone over the area and i fashioned a clip for the phone so he could hang it onto the mirror and be able to see everything you would normally see AND and overhead view. I used the drone with him a few times just so he could see where his trailer actually was and how it moved. Many times when you are backing it feels like you are going to have the blind side corner hit the far truck when in actuality the rear of the trailer past the tandems is turning driverside every 2 inches for every 1 inch backing and you were never going to hit the truck. Nothing beats pure experience, but having an extra view and being able to see what you are doing from an extra angle, can make those first few attempts so much easier and make the driver far more comfortable and less likely to make a rookie mistake because they are stressed.

That my friend, was a definate trucker story because I heard the same exact one told by my father in the '70's. The only differnce being that the two drivers were my father and uncle, in NYC 😊 Love and respect to you and your channel 💕

Hey man I just wanted to say thank you. I’m jumping on with my trainer tomorrow morning. It’s taken me a few months to get it done start to finish from learning to school to getting my first job. I want to thank you, all your advice has really helped me out I talk to other guys and they can’t believe I’m green because I know so much 60% ive learned from you. You’ve helped make a safe smart driver I guarantee it.

This is soooooo awesome. Stress relieving for the lesser mortals like me

I'm sure many trucking schools are heavy on the classroom work, but where I went was actually almost no class whatsoever. The first thing we ever did, day one after coming in, was they sent us to a truck by ourselves with no idea what we were doing and back a trailer up in a straight line while they watched from the road. That's how the majority of the class was. A kinda trial by fire deal but it worked. Anyway, great video thanks for the tips!

It's unfortunate that schools are teaching the 90. The 45 is what I learned by watching a Mexican trucker at Walmart distribution. He got it and it looked so smooth. Hole in 1 and he didn't even have to pull forward. Anyways I like your channel. You're a great teacher.

Get out and look is probably the best advice I've ever heard and that's what I've always done. It's no shame to be extra careful truckers. Shame is when you wipe out someone's fender or door or worse. Old hands please don't laugh at new drivers because they just have no practical driving experience in real life situations and that's a different world from the driving school. Safe trucking y'all.

I knew he was Canadian, he sounds like the don cherry of truck driving, thanks for the tips man! I am a rookie driver and this is very helpful thanks bud!

OMG! Rolling! I am rolling on the floor! Dave, you are a great man. Not only are your stories entertaining and comical sometimes, but truely they are of educational value. I am going to get into Trucking and you are like a teacher that gives a lesson and take away from that important! I enjoy your videos, I am subscribed to this channel and if I miss something, I can rewind, watch it again and/or take notes. We don't know it all, but those that want to learn, let those that want to teach. If you do or do not drive anymore, don't ever stop teaching those who want to know things. Your experience and knowledge is valuable. If you would be an instructor at a driving school, I would soak up everything you have to say like a sponge. Keep the britches between the ditches. :)

Thank you for a very simple visual explanation. Always wanted to be a truck driver since 13 y.o. now 52 I'm watching as many video's as I can to see if I have it in me.. So nervous in getting in a jam backing in to a dock.

I learned how to shunt trailers over 20 years ago with single and tandom axel city tractors and then highway tractors. Now im in an actual shunt truck for the past 2 years and it's easy as hell compaired to what I learn with. Good side, blind side, 45 and 90 degree are all important menouvers to learn. If you don't know where you are or are unsure of the distance you have, STOP. GET OUT AND LOOK. I think all new drivers should learn how to shunt pups, 40', 48' and 53' with tandom and tri-axel before they get on the road. Now I'm working for a trailer repair company where I have to back trailers into inside service bays for the mechanics. Our bays have about 6" of clearance on both side mirrors and you have to jack-knife the trailer to turn it around in the front lot to back it into 1 of the bays. Here there is almost no margin for error.

When I was still with my trainer, we were in a TA in Dallas TX. it was just to hot to stay in the truck, so I went in the game room of the truck stop. I had the best time listening to all the older drivers and their trucking stories, I got quite the education that night.

My first deliveries were in downtown Chicago zone, that was nightmare for the new operator especially in the day time, in the rush time, I had to stop cars on the both side of the road just to back up a dock. After that I had second delivery it was a small farm at night, went to they guy, he told me what door, I backed up to the door and was sitting/waiting in the truck for unloading then I hear knock on my door, they guy came outside and told me that I didn’t open my doors)) you are right, you have to spend time behind the steering wheel to learn , more you drive the better you get. Although, sometime super truckers get too confident and crash too ) indeed, I never understood why people park their cars near trucks zone, that’s why I like night time loadings and unloadings when streets are relatively empty.

Thanks us new drivers need all the help and knowledge we can get thanks alot for all your video's

Awesome information I’m new in the trucking game i will do this setup!!

Graduated from Fox valley Technical School and Appleton Wisconsin for my CDL course. Had lots of windshield time. Was a 10-week course

Great video Dave, being from Montreal originally I mentally had a video in my brain of your story delivering in old Montreal and you are not kidding, the cop that showed up being English and letting you and you buddy go was a lottery ticket for you guys. Old Mtl especially the cobblestone roads are narrow to begin with, built in the horse n buggy days, throw in cars and you are royally screwed. Love your videos Dave keep up the great work it most definitely helps new drivers and old timers who showed never stop learning

This is how I was taught (after too many confusing others) and it's just the most practical. ALL ABOUT THE SET UP. Idle in to minimalize your corrections. I can only pray I get a cop like that one day! THANKS!

Never had any trouble backing up my over the road truck but I always had a hell of a time backing up my boat LOL.

Sir, you are spot on....I just graduated from a CDL school last week and just like you said, it was all classroom with like 25 people and all book work. We did have range time but it wasn't enough to make each and everyone of us decent drivers and have the courage to drive. When I went to the yard, all the trucks were very beat up but still drivable(was told from management that all the trucks were purchased from auction at a good discount with a smile). There was two stages (Second phase and third phase) we all had to go through in order to pass. Each phase had two trucks for students which always broke down which limited our drive time considerably. The mechanic on duty was considerably busy. I tested out in a manual since I didn't want to drive automatics which would limit my driving experience considerably also. I expressed my frustration to management about not having enough drive time due to the number of students in training but they told me they couldn't do anything about it since it was up to upper management who brought in the students. I explained to them that I did the math on what they earn each year(25 students to fill up a classroom at $6,150.00 per head, a new class starts every Monday=9.2M a year), I then explained that they have enough money to cut back on students entering and to focus on letting more students drive and get better. They told me, it's not in their hands and in the owners hands. So pretty much, like you said in the very beginning, they are just looking to get money and push as many people through the course quickly and fill their bank account quicker....very sad!!!!! I would have loved to have been taught by an older generation how to drive a truck and how to be a trucker. Will you be my mentor...😀

That is a great story and that ending clip had me laughing way to hard! 😂 your really make some great videos I really enjoy them. Thank you!

I drove for almost five years, took almost five years off to drive a straight truck, and now I'm back in a semi. THANK YOU for this video! It helped me remember some of the little tricks I'd forgotten. GOAL is the best advice.

I'm a new trucker ,thankyou soo much for this important lesson sir.

Thanks from Ukraine, for a great lesson, mate Roman

I had to blindside from a street on Newark NJ with cars passing, honking and cursing, it was 2 years ago. I did it in one shot, ask me how? I have no idea, being a rookie makes you take stupid risks, always play safe. Great Video.

Wish I had you as an instructor in CDL school...I may have passed my test and be employed as a driver now.

Great job......Been on my bucket list for a long time. Is 61 "too Young" ?:-) Money not issue....Want to have fun and see the scenery. :-)

Love this video gives me more confidents to come in at a 45 angle instead of the 90

Thanks for the video. I've always wondered how that was done. Nothing more impressive than watching a truck driver pro do his thing.

Thank You for your wisdom, Brother. Always learn something new from your videos.

You sir are a great teacher..thank u very much for teaching the professional way

Received your reply on the trailer height issue, thanks. As far as the projected upcoming driver shortage goes I have a thought. Shippers and manufacturers will find they can't get their products to market in a timely manner, due a lack of trucks and drivers. This may force them to raise the mileage rates in a competition to get their products moved. If so the truckers who remain, may receive the unexpected advantage of higher mileage rates. In short two loads but only one truck, who is willing to pay more, to move their load. Not good for consumers, but could happen.

Nothing beats experience great class sir

I need myself a toy truck just small to visualizer good idea

Having fun playing with you're toy trucks I see, making Jake brake noises next like I do?! Good video, I will be showing this to the newbie I'm training, but, I do show them how to back from a 45 a 90 and blind side. We do a lot of city deliveries and cars, dumpsters, and everything else gets in the way. Nothing like blind siding around a car with a 48 to deliver a dock that's a half block down an alley just big enough for a truck!!! Keep the shiny side up!

Friend of mine was drove one of two coach busses on a trip to NYC. They had to go right down town Manhattan. His part hit not ONE but TWO cars while in there. Cops ticketed the cars and told the driver not to worry...

Thanks man! Your tha main dude,much respect!

I’m about to go to truck school, and I appreciate the video. Please do more like this please 😊

I so enjoy your videos! There is nothing like the voice of experience-- and all the practical wisdom that comes with it. I can imagine all the good you are doing on this channel. With utmost respect and appreciation. Thank you

Dave is RIGHT- go to the ground if in doubt- all backing accidents are preventable- it is literally a game of inches. Tow trucks work wonders with illegally parked cars.

This was the best backing video I have seen. Keep up the great work!

Dave, That was the best lesson on backing up. Thank you. Love your stories at the end.

I always love this story never get tired of it :)

@ 7m mark. Thanks Dave that's exactly what I do ! I'll get out 10 times if I have to. I'll get out look, move 5 feet get out look, move another 5 feet. JUST to make sure my angle is right and continuing as it should.

Truck driving school? I grew up on a farm driving combines at 5 years old. Now I regularly handle a 40 foot boat and trailer with ease. No restrictions on that anywhere to my knowledge, as long as the combined weight is less than 26k lbs. Want to learn how to back a long trailer without spending $3k? Find someone or work for someone who has a big boat haha.

The Montreal story was good, really good! :) Thanks for all you do, appreciate it!

Thanks for the video.Perfekt and easy lesson.

All I can say is thank you very much!!

I don’t care how many times I have to get out and look: I never trust a spotter. It’s my job to know where my trailer is, not his.

Down to earth,simple, spot on.

Remember backing in to The Water Market in Chicago? The cop that directed you in was pretty good! Practise "GOAL" trucking , get out and look.

I really love your videos. They're always informative. I learn a lot from you. Thank you.🤗

When I was driving in NY the roadmen would come up from the South and they had no idea how to back up. They knew forward. They'd pay me five bucks to back the trailer in for them. I learned at our barn when I was 13. Private property means no license needed. There was one hole on W.15th St. that could kill a man. Three inches clearance on both sides- both other trailers and on the blind to boot. Most road trucks don't have a window in the back of the cab. I earned my money on those days.

Hey thanks so much for your backing tips they were exactly what I needed.

Sometimes when I backed in, I had to open the doors first. There were places where you couldn't back in first, then pull forward and open the doors. Other trucks or a fence could be in the way.

Thank you so much for this video. I'm so glad I found you guys.

Great information. I'm about to start CDL school next month.

Imagine backing up a 45' motorcoach. I try to line up on an angle or as straight as possible to the spot I'm backing into for the reasons that you specified in the video. Driving in old Montreal is certainly a test for any large commercial vehicle. Downtown Toronto, is also pretty tight in many spots.

I am a French Quebec truck driver. Yes Old Montreal is a PAIN. But now it is worse. Most outsider do not want to drive in Montreal. My main task was sitting in the huge traffic jam and bring the rig to a terminal outside of the Montreal area. We speak English BUT when we are dealing with a Western Redneck we are the biggest asshole in the world. Keep the good work. Hourra.

Good advice on backing. Thanks very much. I like the end segment: "Stupid 4 Wheeler." LOL

Cool demonstration

Word everybody is an agreement to you in regards to that statement about leaving the grab more than out on the field learning how to backup thank you

LOL loved the ending story! :) So many people dosregard the tractor triler driver

Thanks for the lesson. I am not a trucker but I do haul hay local and I can use t,he info

You really learn quick working local first. Some of my job s you would be allowed to drive spotter s , day cab s and sleepers. Some times qll in one shift! The more vehicles and situations you learn the better all around driver you will be. My advice is even if you just fuel semi s at the right company they would love for you to have a commercial DL and might help you get one.

My favorite story so far

Great story !! Thanks !!

Very useful video. Thank you good sir

I liked your video. ...just a word to add that i delivered in downtown and old Montréal for 5 years and you will never find more helpfull policemen . . They all speak english and they understand the situation of driving trucks in Old Montréal .

I learned from the old guys. Entire house is full of CDL holders. I refuse to go to a school for repeating crap that mostly you can learn within 8 hours of seat time. I can if desired get my CDL permit and test after their minimum 14 days are done. Might sound stupid, but i do practire regularly with normal pickup and a trailer also play a game called American Truck Simulator. Always the setup! Learned that you can pull up to a spot roughly 4-6ft off the nose of the truck and pull 2-3 forward and cut sharp 90. Can easily line up at a 45° and back it in cleanly. Amazes me "schools" dont give the seat time required but rather another text book that doesnt help!

I was trained by an army drill instructor. Luckily I was backing up garden trailers for 10 years so I understood the basics,and I owned a gooseneck. Crazy the drill instructor said the exact same thing as you. Get close go to 2 o clock then back in.

yup totally agree with ya Dave I maybe got in and out 15x if not once

Good Lesson.

I am from southern New Brunswick,,,ever run accross any of the guys from REM or Milltown trucking.

That's a death bed story. Fantastic.

Kinda odd....drivers drive coast to coast takes days, yet when they finally get there ready to bump the dock, they seem to have no time. Look if it takes 8 to 10 minutes for you to keep jumping out and looking, ,,that OK. Drivers will be on cb making fun, ,,and blowing air horn...just wave. .those drivers wasn't born with that wheel in their hand they had to learn. .....they won't be responsible when you take that long nose peterbilt finder off,,you will be. Take your time. I wasn't so good to began with. .now I'm awesome. I have trained so many, ,,some never drove a stick before ,,they all are awesome now. Last thoughts. Turn cb off. Don't trust the fella that says,'come on back'. And after you deliver and you have 20 minutes practice. When your waiting on a door....practice when possible. ....bring cones. ...practice. ...if this is going to be how you make money, ,,practice. ..it's not like digging ditches ,,practice. .. them drivers you see that are awesome, ,,they practiced.

That was an awesome video . Thank you. I’m currently applying for my Multi combination license and I’m very nervous. I have already my heavy rig license and I’m trying to upgrade to MC. I’m from Sydney Australia by the way.

Thank you so much for this!!

lol i spent my first 6 months telling everyone around me that i just got off the trainer truck and they had better spot for me or i would hit them

You have way too much fun when you use the trucks. Enjoy the videos learn something new each time

Great advice!

thank you. you should start a driving school where the drivers actually get loads of road time behind the wheel.

Nice thanks for the video it's good to know 👍

Carry go jacks if u gotta move a car u can that’s the last ditch effort without destroying someone or your property

Great Story.

Very interested

Thanks, Chief!

6:00 THANK YOU! I hated this as a new trucker, so much. Leave it to me, let me focus, let me rely on myself and practice. It’s really stressful as well. I know they think they’re helping but I my first year when someone started spotting me, if I couldn’t ignore them or get the spit on the first few tries I would just pull out and circle back or find a new spot 😂 mind ya damn business fellas

Outstanding video & outstanding content 👍🏽😎