45 degree or 90 back for short parking lot

I focus more on how much room I have to bring the tractor around than the set up angle

 

Most building codes set the minimum size of aprons at loading docks assuming a 90 degree dock by a typical truck. Using a 45 degree dock will take more space because it increases what they call the "Nominal turning arc" in this graphic.



It always seems like if they do give you more room people end up putting stuff there anyway...but I just use as little angle as required.

If you start thinking in context of your trailers tires when backing up and then build an intuition of your tractors swing vs trying to follow formulas it will become a lot easier.

As others have mentioned, managing space on your passenger side is all that really matters when you are on a private apron.

 

If I read your description properly, I may have relevant information for you.

The 90 degree alley dock and the classic 45 degree parking maneuver are cookie cutter parking methods.

The way to park a truck in the tightest spot possible is to reverse the movement required to get out of the tightest spot possible.

What this means is that instead of starting your parking maneuver at 90 or 45 degrees, with the end of your trailer near the parking spot you want to fit into, you start your maneuver at about 15 degrees, 50 feet away from the spot, all the way at the far side of the open lane. Your trailer should be at a slight angle to your tractor, and your tractor should be at a slight angle towards the parking spot you are trying to fit into.

You then start a very gradual almost-straight back, which slowly starts turning your trailer into the spot you want, and your tractor does not change steering at all until the trailer is hitting the hole. By that point, your very gradually shifting position of the tractor should allow you to crank the steers hard and line up in the hole.

If my description is unclear, just thing about how you move to get out of a really tight parking spot, and reverse it.

It takes time to learn how to line up a long-distance parking shot, but once you learn it, most tight parking spots become a lot easier.

 

At some point during a 90 degree dock, you will be at <gasp> 45 degrees.
Either one, you have to get the trailer tandems lined up for the pivot.
A little farther out if the tandems are forward to account for tail swing. A little closer with the tandems back.
I've backed around and found myself with no room to straighten out the tractor.
Time to wiggle wiggle.

 

I still can’t get out of a tight parking spot lol

 

The newer Volvos and freightliners cut well. The KWs and peterbilts still don’t cut well even on the aero trucks.

 

Everyone has their way of backing. My way of backing on tight docks is to use all the horizontal space I can (assuming the tight dock is tight because of low forward space but has a lot of side space) and slowly guide the trailer in instead of cutting hard and risking getting too close to the fencing or obstruction. Some docks are just so tight I end up being too #### close regardless.