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Getting the trailer square to the dock

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by jimbo3791, Apr 21, 2020.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Apr 21, 2020 #1
    jimbo3791

    jimbo3791 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 4, 2020
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    6 months in the seat so still early rookie phase. I've developed a frustrating habit of thinking I'm square to the dock when I'm actually not, leaving enough of a gap to upset the shippers, usually the right side of the trailer. This is only on docks where there are no lines, other trailers beside me, or cracks in the pavement you can use as a reference. Any ideas or tips other than GOAL? I've readjusted all the mirrors to where I usually had them before this all started (started 4 weeks ago when I got a different cab but still the same type I've been driving). It is a sleeper cab if that makes any difference but it didn't for me previously.
     
    jimbo3791, Apr 21, 2020
    jimbo3791, Apr 21, 2020
    #1
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  3. Apr 21, 2020 #2
    danny23tx

    danny23tx Road Train Member

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    Austin,Tx
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    Yes find objects on the floor , a crack , line or tire mark . A tire iron or hammer can also be used as a marker to help get you straight. I just did it today , a no line dock no trailer next to it so I followed a concrete line and a piece of trash on the floor to get straight.
     
    danny23tx, Apr 21, 2020
    danny23tx, Apr 21, 2020
    #2
    theSoz, D.Tibbitt, jimbo3791 and 2 others Thank this.
  4. Apr 21, 2020 #3
    rachi

    rachi Road Train Member

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    Even seasoned drivers can have a hard time lining up when no lines.
     
    rachi, Apr 21, 2020
    rachi, Apr 21, 2020
    #3
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  5. Apr 21, 2020 #4
    Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    74021907-BC35-4C65-9746-964E5ED5E5C3.jpeg
    Who needs lines?!
    Keep backing up!
     
    Judge, Apr 21, 2020
    Judge, Apr 21, 2020
    #4
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  7. Apr 21, 2020 #5
    Scooter HBG

    Scooter HBG Light Load Member

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    Apr 16, 2020
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    No BS here. Get an eye exam. Only after I got my eyes checked, then corrected could I spot the rear of a 53" trailer square to the dock, every time.
     
    Scooter HBG, Apr 21, 2020
    Scooter HBG, Apr 21, 2020
    #5
    88228822, jimbo3791 and catdog45 Thank this.
  8. Apr 21, 2020 #6
    Studebaker Hawk

    Studebaker Hawk Road Train Member

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    Oct 18, 2010
    NW Indiana
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    45 years, 4 million miles, hundreds of driving awards, including finalist America's Road Team, and in In State Trucking Association Rodeo.
    Still have trouble without suggestions like @danny23tx
     
    Studebaker Hawk, Apr 21, 2020
    Studebaker Hawk, Apr 21, 2020
    #6
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  9. Apr 21, 2020 #7
    Oor

    Oor Road Train Member

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    Jan 11, 2012
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    Back in.

    Yellow chalk correct line on ground for off side steer and drives.

    Back in again.
     
    Oor, Apr 21, 2020
    Oor, Apr 21, 2020
    #7
    nredfor88, jimbo3791, Studebaker Hawk and 1 other person Thank this.
  10. Apr 21, 2020 #8
    x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Mar 5, 2016
    White County, Arkansas
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    I carried a three foot carpenters square.

    Attach same to building wall on the ground in line with the dock plate more or less where the tires would go.

    Spray paint a line on the ground. Its more or less straight. If at night plop a lantern there.

    Dock.

    Once in a blue moon when dock boss says your one inch gap is not acceptable I tend to slam it back hard it squares it then and makes a big noise doing so. Hes got a dock plate from heaven all the way to here and can certainly bridge his precious inch.

    I also mark them into the black book, dont ever see them again or worry about it in this lifetime. They can get someone else to yell about that little inch on the right corner.

    Places that do not have lines at the dock when I show up with that square and can of paint does now. A small one that is.
     
    x1Heavy, Apr 21, 2020
    x1Heavy, Apr 21, 2020
    #8
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  11. Apr 21, 2020 #9
    Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    we all do on some occasions.

    just get out and look when you are a few inches from it. before you set the brakes. if it is off a bit , go in and ask "if that will work". done that a million times.lol
     
    Numb, Apr 21, 2020
    Numb, Apr 21, 2020
    #9
    jimbo3791 Thanks this.
  12. Apr 21, 2020 #10
    Snailexpress

    Snailexpress Road Train Member

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    Snailexpress, Apr 21, 2020
    Snailexpress, Apr 21, 2020
    #10
    jimbo3791 and x1Heavy Thank this.
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