Semi turning/backing capability

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by CoryJ0407, Feb 13, 2018.

  1. CoryJ0407

    CoryJ0407 Bobtail Member

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    Hi,

    I'm in the works to become a semi truck driver. Specifically driving a 53 foot waste transfer trailer. Hauling with a regular daycab tractor.

    My question is; How quickly(focus on feet) can a semi truck back up to a loading dock in reverse?

    Here's what I have, the semi front bumper to hear bumper is 75 feet long. We have a loading dock to use already, however, the distance available in front of the loading dock is only 110-120 feet. I am able to pull along side the loading dock b for approaching the dock in reverse. Can I back the trailer into the loading dock?
     
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  3. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    You have plenty of room IF your truck is the only one sitting at those docks. If however you have to back around another parked tractor with a 53 foot trailer you might not have enough room.
     
  4. ChaoSS

    ChaoSS Road Train Member

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    Also for a day cab 75 feet is a bit on the long side.
     
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  5. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Most waste haulers have a 60" kingpin setting VS the normal 24"/36". Which means the nose of the trailer is way forward. That's why long wheel base day cab. Shouldn't be a problem backing.
     
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  6. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    As long the space is greater than the length of the truck combination, you can get it to fit.

    There is a turning radius imposed by your front steer tires against the tractor. The turning circle is around 55 feet maybe more. It varies because there are a thousand ways to build a tractor.

    Under the 5th wheel is a set of your drives. That has it's own turning radius.

    Under the trailer is a set of tandems, The turning radius can be made ZERO (Spun in place) or negative.

    The three radius is managed by yourself against the available docking space and problems around that specific procedure facing you. (Light posts, hydrants, no posts, vaults, trucks, cars, forklifts, pallets, dump bins, walls, fencing etc etc etc etc etc)

    You are going to have a rather long trailer and probably a longer daycab than usual. You did not state that the 110 and 120 feet is in front of the actual dock or in front of the other trucks IN that dock.
     
  7. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    Actually I think he did. After reading the OPs question I saw that. However the question is will he be the only one using the docks.
     
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  8. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    I interpret it two ways. If HE is the only one present and requires docking sure. Have at it.

    But docks plural indicate maybe there is one dock for him to use. Indicating the possibility of other trucks around in their docks too.
     
  9. skellr

    skellr Road Train Member

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    We do 90 degree backs in truck stops with 20-30ft less room than that...

    Piece of cake
     
  10. Zeviander

    Zeviander Road Train Member

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    That day cab must have a big stretch on it to be 75' long with a 53' trailer.

    In a perfect world, you should be able to get a 75' truck into a dock or parking spot with as little as 100-125' of space in front. There are a ton of factors determining this though and I'm not sure how many people have done exact calculations. Most skilled drivers do it by "feel" and just get the job done without the math.
     
  11. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    There is no issue here, just pay attention and put her in there , at least the tip.
     
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