Learn how to back a trailer with this quick and easy tutorial from the Swift Driving Academy. Video instruction by Swift Academy Instructor Paul Fleck.
Backing is just like driving a stick, you have to get a feel for it through trial and error. It is one of those things that cannot be explained to an exact science. This guy explained how he backs which is pretty much how you do it, things like tail swing and how your tandems are set matter a lot. You have to know that you trailer pivots at the tandem wheels. All backing situations don’t have this much space. It’s all gained through experience. Only thing I can tell you is never blindside back, get out and make sure you don’t hit anything, and don’t get in a rush take it slow. Don’t worry about pulling up and being judged by dirty lame truckers. Just do your job safely. Any truckers worth a damn will help you before they judge you.
Garrett Smith I meant like how driving a stick cannot be explained to an exact science especially since every truck manual transmission has a different feel. You just have to do it and figure it out to get it down. Backing cannot be explained to an exact science you have to get a feel for it. Just do it safely.
Good advise , I'm new to driving and I'm determined to get it down I'm slowly understanding the physics of it all and getting my angles down my first few tries I really did terrible I had to go forward and correct a bunch of times now I'm a bit faster and not worrying about other seasons drivers watching me
.Best way for the new driver to park or dock is bring a tin of paint and a brush .or just the spray can for ..touch up paint work .and cable ties and duct tape for bumper and mirror work .
I work with Swift, and this video needs to be shown to all mentors. Ive had 3 mentors since in training,all 3 taught me a few but no one is teaching me to backup. Everyone just wants the extra money! Unfortunately i need a 4th mentor now since the one i have wont let me back up. All i do is drive. Thank you for the video.
As a new tractor driver, this technique works like a dream. I have learnt driving in the winter so the ground is covered in snow. Very hard to properly align for a Newby. The glove drop has worked every time. Thank you for putting this video out for all of us to learn.
@@abbasbinfirnas459 Hey there, yes I agree most people would say truck driver but truck driving covers many different types of units. I have two units, a tractor unit and a 5 ton flat deck. I say tractor because it is whats required for pulling a trailer.
I envy your drivers because I can see how you’re training them. I’m straight out of driving school and I don’t have any experience on 53 foot trailer. What makes me sad is I’m hired by a company and they never bothered to train us backing, coupling and adjusting tandem. Fortunately I will use your professional video footage as a reference. Thank you for being there and God Bless you all.
Don't feel that way. I want trained in those things either. When the scenario was created, I went to RUclips and made it through. Everyone at a large company gets trained to pass the CDL and that's it.
I know how you feel. I'm a transportation Associate at Amazon, and part of the job function we do is drive a hostler (yard jockey), but we also have to have a CDL in order to drive trailers to and from other Amazon locations. So we are taught how to back into a parking slip/dock door using a hostler, but going through the CDL school we weren't taught how to back into a parking slip/dock door, so after passing that and passing the exam, Amazon only gives 2 days for training on backing into a parking slip/dock door. It's a lot different backing up with a hostler than it is with a day cab, and 2 days isn't enough time. When I take a trailer to a different Amazon site, I still struggle a bit.
Man, that's dangerous, once I work as a smartphone technician and my workplace just tell me to Google and watch some RUclips videos to repair customer's smartphone, they teach me nothing. I noped the hell out of that place ASAP
I've been driving a very long time and have literally backed into a tight parking spot hundreds of times and I enjoyed this video very much. I found useful information that I could learn from. I even watched it twice.
Same. Been driving nearly a decade, and actually learned a couple new tricks. Not sure if I'll use them, especially the glove drop, but nice to know more.
Been driving for 15 years. Backed in some tight places in Chicago and others. Learned to drive from my grandad. Learned a few things from this video. Never thought about the glove idea. I could see this useful in docks where the paint lines have faded.
Good video I been driving 21yrs now and not to fond about the glove or keep taken my seatbelt off and on while I'm backing? Good video swift now all the swift rookies need to get this down and help keep us Veteran drivers safe all of us are out to do a job and come home to our families y'all be safe!
The instructor give a good explenation the student dont pay atencion sorry for the bad writing i am from europe Nederland retiret trucker 48 years driver
Thank you. I've never heard it explained like this before. I've only been doing this for 43 years. This is very simple. Now I can tell new drivers a simpler way.
And do you the G.O.A.L. every time? I don't think i ever saw a trucker in my entire life doing it except for some severe cases and when they had complicated cargo and other people around, not this generic drive into the bay stuff
I’ve had 2 mentors trying to teach me this both confused me to death to the point where I completely shut down …. I kept asking for reference points that’s like speaking Spanish to them…. This video helped me substantially thanks 🙏🏾
Same. Or wake me out of my bunk while team driving to practice a 45 degree back with an audience to add even more pressure. Smh. Lol this video helped alot more. It's even more annoying when the trainer is doing the same thing I am and won't admit it. But I gotta be Golden boy smh
Pete Rubis the bad part they only teach you this after you have an accident or your involved In a situation I did it after my truck broke down kind of my fault
The academy themselves ONLY help you get your cdl. Thats all the academy is for. Swift leaves it up to your mentor that they set you up with to teach you how to back, slide fifth wheel, etc. that part just doesnt happen.
Pete Rubis I got my cdl from swift in 2007. This is what they teach everyone and everyone from swift knows this setup but 90% of inexperienced swift driver I see out there don't use it, I don't understand why?..
For you 'Pros' and 'Experts out there, it's good to see a tutorial like this that gives you the basics in how to do it. At the end of the day, we all have to start somewhere , not all of us can be experts from day one as some of you guys make yourselves out to be. This video is an excellent reminder of where to start and brush up on your manoeuvring skills.
The problem with this video, it isn't mandatory or shown to newbs!! It should be! I have been driving for a year now and first I have seen of it. I am going to try this trick. They guy who did my driving test, told me three vehicles then turn. I think it is too much. This video makes better sense.
This video showed me wht I needed to do I've had my CDL going on two years I have drove with a company driving a box truck and Monday was my first time driving a class A since I got out of truck driving school . And my backing sucks so bad I feel shame but the guys see that I struggle with it they help me out they say hey it takes time you'll get.. and video I belive will help me out I even wrote the notes down.. 📝
It would be kind of hard to see that glove at night or in the rain. Points of reference should be fixed objects, not something that can be moved by nature.
@@kevinphillips150 it does set a frame of reference tho..the 12-9 45 degree set up and back is fundamental, forget the glove, put your left shoulder on the outside of the trailer following the open hole or box you have to back into..if no trailer, make it the outside line of the second box, head out to your 12 and then over to your 9 back up on that 45 degree angle with wheels straight until your tandems stop rolling and start to pivot(you'll learn to notice with a few attempts) then hard left to the hole...if you dont have the space to make it to 12 o'clock,.go to 10:30 or 10 even and then to 9 ..it sets the same 45 angle in a shorter space...the fundamentals of this video are exactly how you do it and will become second nature over time..
Notice all the room he has. I've been to places where there was very little room to make proper backing set up, so I had to improvise. As long as you get the trailer in the desired spot without hitting anything or anyone, you did a correct back. Plain and simple
funny thing is with that much space. It is easier to just cut it sharp and have the trailer almost perfectly lined up with out have to do all that 45 degree 90 degree stuff. Best rule I ever got taught when it comes to backing up. If you have the room use it.
Must be a closed-minded bystander that does nothing but laugh at Swift drivers, you clearly haven’t seen all the drivers out there I feel sorry for you.
Many on here say getting out 3 times is stupid. Same people are backing into people. To all new drivers out there, ignore the super truckers with beat up tractors and trailers. Please get out as often as you need. Beats someone having to replace their front end because you stayed on your lazy a$$.
I love the Super Truckers who talk crap about us new drivers and our training or so called non-training. Shiid, all of these new rules and "over" regulations are because of a bunch of y'all😒 My trainer is a Veteran Super Trucker with over 27 years of experience, and he is hardly a safe driver.
I'm an instructor. And to pass state tests you have to do 1) set up as to where your trailer is 90 degrees from the dock, 2) allowed 2 looks,3) 1 pull up, and 3) only have 5 minutes to complete it. This video just shows why the quality of drivers in large outfits are shit. So your saying don't listen to "super truckers", that's equivalent to saying "don't listen to guys with half million miles in the seats". I have a certified million n a half under my belt stud. N the boys I train are put under pressure with little to no room for failure. Guess who can back up without dropping gloves, n 3 looks. Swift is shit.
@@jrremerable Yes in my state you get a limited number of Goals and pull-ups also. However no state tester watches you in the real world and those tests are very do-able after weeks of instruction on how to do the exact backs over and over again. In the real world there is no multiple practices, where to look when you start turning ect.
True, but also in the real world ya always don't get 40 acres to do what is described as a 90 in this video. By training guys this way your just getting it so they fill a seat, not actually pay attention or problem solve. Hence the reason Swift has one of the worst safety records, and is self insured. No insurance company would touch em. Another thing to think about is what is classified as a "driver". Most days "super truckers" don't need half dozen looks or God's plenty of room to back into spots. I.E. truckstops. They know the equipment, can figure the angles, and get backed in with no issues. Chicago, Philly, just take your pick, has little to no room to alley dock. Yet extended hood Pete's pulling 53' refers do it on a nightly basis. Have you noticed who drives those types of combinations? Any large outfits has to have single axle rigs to do it n they still get into wrecks. So training is everything. Make it easy like in this video, they won't learn shit. Make it a challenge, like we do, you begin to get quality. Then it doesn't matter who's watching, they'll do it quick every time.
this video was insanely helpful when i got out of my cdl course and into driver training.. i had a great trainer that showed me this. i probably watched it 100 times
I’m doing my on the road training right now. And thank you for this video. I like being taught by telling me “HOW” to do something, not “SHOWING” me how to do it. You are the 45 degree GOAT!!!💪🏾💪🏾
Thank you for this. Short and sweet. Less is more as far as the information you gave. The best and most simple backing video I've seen yet and I've watched hundreds. Cant wait to start school at swift.
Been driving for over 6 years, great tutorial, and even every now and then i still get out and look. Your mirrors are great, when the suns not in them.
i seriously doubt he actually drives as a "trainer", he's probably got tons of experience under his belt though, but you don't get repetitive practice at a school, you have to share time and equipment with other students. there is a world of difference between practicing at a school/academy/company property and practicing in the field (on the road, with a trainer)... and on the road is where you actually learn a LOT of what you need to know... if you have a trainer that's worth a damn
I don't think I've ever had that much room to back up to a dock. In most instances the docks are located where it's convenient for the shipper/receiver NOT the driver.
@@thebigdrew12 Believe me, I understand. Once at the Ball Metal plant in Aurora, Co. I watched a young driver backup to a dock without success for the better part of an hour. When I came back around to that side of the plant the driver (a female) was in tears. I stopped and took the wheel and showed her how to get it accomplished. There were no lines on the ground and the lot was Wide Open giving her no assistance at all.
I once watched a guy back into a tight spot and with no wasted motion, he put the trailer right on the money, then he folded the tractor 90 degrees to the trailer so as to not stick out into the sidewalk. Very impressive. I told him he was an artist.
I was able to do that exactly one time. It was tight as hell off a 4 lane street with concrete walls on either side and I would’ve been sticking out past the sidewalk and into the first lane of the road. I was having a bit of trouble since traffic kept getting in the way and getting me frustrated. Eventually a tow truck driver whipped out in front of everyone with his lights on and got on the other side in a high-vis and blocked traffic for me. I was then able to just reset and put it in first time (first time the fifth time lol) and i somehow even shimmied a little bit to get my tractor off the street and unblocked half the sidewalk… dont ask me how i did it because i have no clue but it was a great feeling, coupled with the generosity of that tow truck driver and its a day i wont soon forget
I have to do this every day at the same dock, blind sided. Took me about a month and a half of embarrassment. No I can do it with my eyes closed. (I won't though😂)
I never heard it broken down like this, I learned by trial and error. I pulled munitions trailers in the military which were very short and had a tongue with front tires that turned with the tongue. Plus we usually pulled two trailers at a time so once I was out of the military and driving a truck I found it easy to back. This was before the CDL.
Going back to Swift after a year off due to the Pandemic. Bit rusty, probably more nervous than anything. Couldn't understand any tutorial on backing when I had first started out late 2017. Now, after 2.5 years of experience, 3 companies, and hundreds of Drops all over, this video is a great reminder. Will get me goin' again, after a year away from Truckin'. 🚛🌨️ Thankyou. 💜
@Jimmy De'Souza yes sir they are. Swift has their own trainers and they churn out graduates by the truck load. I am not bashing those who simply lack experience, everyone has to learn, but Swift and some other mega carrier's too will put a person in a truck on their own before they have been properly trained by a qualified instructor.
Swift is the biggest trucking company world wide , and they have lots of student drivers. Which makes obvious that they will have accidents. None of the people I trained have ever crashed. I have been with swift since 1999.
So I just wanted to say thank you for showing this video. I recently got my class 1 and backing up to a dock had proven to be a bit challenging until I saw your tutorial. Today I had to pick up a load of insulation in the 53' van trailer and I tried your process. It worked the very first time I attempted it. Thanks again!
I drive a Sprinter van with a 6x12 enclosed trailer behind it, and I'm happy to see I inherently follow most of these steps just from experience, but I can find tune my method with your tutorial.
After watching this, I find myself wondering why SWIFT drivers fail so incredibly often?? This is by far one of the best backing videos on the internet.
Id bet in terms of percentage they dont fail anymore than any of the other guys there is just so many, odds are its gonna be a swift truck. But i dont know jack shit about the intrapolitical web or anything about trucking just an observation
Very good video, very professional. Hopefully it educates new drivers on how to back in properly, absolutely scary to be in the bunk trying to sleep as a truck spends 45 mins trying to get into a spot that should take 5. Great job
A lotta people bitching about this, but he did it the way I was taught, not at Swift, and I've spotted an awful lot of trailers, NEVER a hiccup. He had plenty of room and was backing on sight side, so it does get trickier. But the confidence that comes with doing it successfully is one of the things that allows folks to do the more challenging backs. And they DO get more challenging.
Sorry swift, but your reputation proceeds you. A swift driver teaching others to back up is what keeps the pilot parking lot a treasure trove of RUclips material. I've been at it for 27 years and yall still don't disappoint. 👏👏👏😂
Seen tons of these and this video was excellent. Simple, strategic, comprehensible, and elegant. I'm starting school Monday @ Apex and so glad i found this video. Also leaning towards Swift to start my career. Thanks
snowflake 97 I'd love to see a 10 pm in a shit pouring rain, and the lines... WHAT LINES??? That would be way more impressive. This ain't a bad video..... IF EVERTHING IS PERFECT. In the real world, I haven't seen perfect.
Great Job Dan this is great video for anyone new to backing. I drove for 17 years and was a road instructor at a truck driving school have Vertigo now and lost my CDL I wish I could train again I really loved it. You can also do a GOAL since you have to go open the trailer doors on a swing door anyway. With a roll door I would do the GOAL and check the trailer seal make sure it was still there. 1.5 million safety miles with one accident that was not my fault (I was not cited) a pickup coming the other way turn left in front of me at a light when I was at the white line I hit his bed, weird thing it did more damage to my semi than the pickup.
This is definitely going to be useful for when I do my driving test. I’m gonna keep watching this until I can learn it enough so that when the time comes I can practically master it.
I'm potentially going to be doing a yard jockey position for a month at my job, and I haven't been in the cab of a tractor in seven years (since driving school), so I'm going to be referencing this video religiously. You made this look a lot easier than I was afraid it was going to be, and it's helping ease my nerves a little.
It was my first trucking job but I have nothing bad to say about swift when it comes to me always payed on time always had loads and always got me home when I needed to be i work at Pepsi now because my family did not want me on the road
I think many new drivers completley ignores one key thing to do whenever you are unsure of something; Go Out And Look... I mean; they'd rather risk shaming themselves by trying to get it in by one go and possibly ruin the equippment and structures of others, just to show off for the older drivers, rather than playing it safe and let your experience grow naturally...
no no no, step #9, would be to look around for any witnesses, if none are seen, make a run for it! I have seen too many videos with swift drivers just leaving after hitting other parked rigs.
I can back up with my EYES CLOSED..of course I hit several parked trucks and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage, but hey I still prove I can do it.
Im with second trainer and im about to leave that company cuz i just wasn't understanding the whole conception. And the trainers were just loosing control of themselves. Thanks a lot for your goove trick, shoulder mark,clock orientation, and clear English! I will learn !
I watched Handfuls of videos, however, this video was by Far the best video I've seen. The way in which each step was explained, especially, the dropping of the glove and following the driver side dock line so you know that you will not hit the trailer on your blind side. Watched it twice and bookmarked it for future use. Please make more videos.
Eber, next week I'm taking my CDL exam. Can you tell me how you went from being a Swift driver to being an owner operator. I was a shipping supervisor for 10 years. In October 2017, I got fired. Now my plan is to get my own truck and start hauling dirt here in the central texas area. I have a colleague that was fired a little while before I was from the same place and he has a truck now and hauls dirt and he says that he is doing great. I think that I can do great too. Thanks
I make over 7,000$ a week as a owner operator and i made my video where i show you my pay and past loads and tittle to my truck And show how easy it is to make over a Million dollars just in 3 years as a OWNER OPERAOR............... pls check it out my last VIDEO !!!!!
that is really good tutorial for new driver. my husband is my mentor he benn in trucking for many years and i appreciate everything he teach. he work local now and i stay heavy haul at swift its been 5 years trucking by my self. swift giving me the opportunity to be on thier team and i am truly greatful thank you swift.
Not a truck driver but I'm planning on getting American truck simulator for my PC and outside of the get out and look and dropping the glove, everything else was very informative on how to properly back a trailer in when I play that game. Really is a whole mind rewire of reversing.
For anyone learning how to back a straightline here's a tip that worked well for me: Keep your hand(s) at the very top of your steering wheel (12 o'clock position) Look straight down the side of your trailer in the mirror at the end of the trailer. If the rear end starts drifting towards the left side of your mirror turn your wheel a little bit to the left and visa versa. Knowing how much to turn the wheel comes with practice. If you have parking space lines on the ground this works very well but getting lined up correctly is important. Practice is the only way to get good at it and none if us were born knowing how to back using mirrors. Be well everyone.
Backing is just like driving a stick, you have to get a feel for it through trial and error. It is one of those things that cannot be explained to an exact science. This guy explained how he backs which is pretty much how you do it, things like tail swing and how your tandems are set matter a lot. You have to know that you trailer pivots at the tandem wheels. All backing situations don’t have this much space. It’s all gained through experience. Only thing I can tell you is never blindside back, get out and make sure you don’t hit anything, and don’t get in a rush take it slow. Don’t worry about pulling up and being judged by dirty lame truckers. Just do your job safely. Any truckers worth a damn will help you before they judge you.
I mean not really if they are driving a semi its most likely manual
Garrett Smith I don’t understand what you mean even still most newer trucks are automatic
I was just saying they are completely different things to do
Garrett Smith I meant like how driving a stick cannot be explained to an exact science especially since every truck manual transmission has a different feel. You just have to do it and figure it out to get it down. Backing cannot be explained to an exact science you have to get a feel for it. Just do it safely.
Good advise , I'm new to driving and I'm determined to get it down I'm slowly understanding the physics of it all and getting my angles down my first few tries I really did terrible I had to go forward and correct a bunch of times now I'm a bit faster and not worrying about other seasons drivers watching me
This explains all the gloves I've been seeing on the ground at my shippers and receivers.
Mystery solved
tomatoes lol
tomatoes haha
What happens if the wind blows the gloves .Somebody need a new grill and bumper.
.Best way for the new driver to park or dock is bring a tin of paint and a brush .or just the spray can for ..touch up paint work .and cable ties and duct tape for bumper and mirror work .
I work with Swift, and this video needs to be shown to all mentors. Ive had 3 mentors since in training,all 3 taught me a few but no one is teaching me to backup. Everyone just wants the extra money! Unfortunately i need a 4th mentor now since the one i have wont let me back up. All i do is drive.
Thank you for the video.
yes true i quit swift after training my mentor worked me to death ..no back up
I've been driving 10 years, and seeing him explain it gives me some extra insight on how to line it up, thank you.
I don't know why I watched this whole video. I'm not even a truck driver.
Mojo Witwicky Best comment yet
Mojo Witwicky same
Mr me too lol
Mojo Witwicky lmao
Same here..
As a new tractor driver, this technique works like a dream. I have learnt driving in the winter so the ground is covered in snow. Very hard to properly align for a Newby. The glove drop has worked every time. Thank you for putting this video out for all of us to learn.
I'm glad to hear you found it helpful!
@Chris Brown Hopefully after 3 years of driving you don't call yourself a tractor driver anymore.
@@abbasbinfirnas459 Hey there, yes I agree most people would say truck driver but truck driving covers many different types of units. I have two units, a tractor unit and a 5 ton flat deck. I say tractor because it is whats required for pulling a trailer.
How many times have you had to run over someone's grass
@@MichaelBelenski Never.
I envy your drivers because I can see how you’re training them. I’m straight out of driving school and I don’t have any experience on 53 foot trailer. What makes me sad is I’m hired by a company and they never bothered to train us backing, coupling and adjusting tandem. Fortunately I will use your professional video footage as a reference. Thank you for being there and God Bless you all.
Don't feel that way. I want trained in those things either. When the scenario was created, I went to RUclips and made it through. Everyone at a large company gets trained to pass the CDL and that's it.
I know how you feel. I'm a transportation Associate at Amazon, and part of the job function we do is drive a hostler (yard jockey), but we also have to have a CDL in order to drive trailers to and from other Amazon locations. So we are taught how to back into a parking slip/dock door using a hostler, but going through the CDL school we weren't taught how to back into a parking slip/dock door, so after passing that and passing the exam, Amazon only gives 2 days for training on backing into a parking slip/dock door. It's a lot different backing up with a hostler than it is with a day cab, and 2 days isn't enough time. When I take a trailer to a different Amazon site, I still struggle a bit.
That’s ridiculous and should be illegal. How’s it going for you now?
Man, that's dangerous, once I work as a smartphone technician and my workplace just tell me to Google and watch some RUclips videos to repair customer's smartphone, they teach me nothing. I noped the hell out of that place ASAP
We're all trained dthe same way. There's no manual for life either and that should also bother you. Quit making excuses dude.
Swift Academy is like an Ivy League University, well known for thorough and rigorous training. It’s great to be a driver for Swift, Love it !!
I've been driving a very long time and have literally backed into a tight parking spot hundreds of times and I enjoyed this video very much. I found useful information that I could learn from. I even watched it twice.
Same. Been driving nearly a decade, and actually learned a couple new tricks. Not sure if I'll use them, especially the glove drop, but nice to know more.
Been driving for 15 years. Backed in some tight places in Chicago and others. Learned to drive from my grandad. Learned a few things from this video. Never thought about the glove idea. I could see this useful in docks where the paint lines have faded.
I agree. Great comments by y’all
Good video I been driving 21yrs now and not to fond about the glove or keep taken my seatbelt off and on while I'm backing? Good video swift now all the swift rookies need to get this down and help keep us Veteran drivers safe all of us are out to do a job and come home to our families y'all be safe!
The instructor give a good explenation the student dont pay atencion sorry for the bad writing i am from europe Nederland retiret trucker 48 years driver
Thank you. I've never heard it explained like this before. I've only been doing this for 43 years. This is very simple. Now I can tell new drivers a simpler way.
I'm glad to hear that it was helpful!
This is the method Schneider teaches.
It’s not helpful … too much black bla bla
This video helped me pass trucking school, then when i got to my company, now 2 yrs later its blessing me again!!! BEST TUTORIAL EVER!!! HANDS DOWN
And do you the G.O.A.L. every time?
I don't think i ever saw a trucker in my entire life doing it except for some severe cases and when they had complicated cargo and other people around, not this generic drive into the bay stuff
I’ve had 2 mentors trying to teach me this both confused me to death to the point where I completely shut down …. I kept asking for reference points that’s like speaking Spanish to them…. This video helped me substantially thanks 🙏🏾
Same. Or wake me out of my bunk while team driving to practice a 45 degree back with an audience to add even more pressure. Smh. Lol this video helped alot more. It's even more annoying when the trainer is doing the same thing I am and won't admit it. But I gotta be Golden boy smh
I've gotten really frustrated with backing up but I'm not going to let it beat me I'm gonna beat it
@@bbbr2808 you got this! Funny thing is now pull throughs are kicking my ass lmao 😂
@@bbbr2808 I I back like a pro now took me a while but once you beat down the fear it's a piece of cake 🎂 facts
@@jaredjames1989 I learned it all alone find a company that let's you go by yourself now I'm a pro fr
I have 25 yrs. experience this is a great tutorial Swift should teach this to there new drivers.
Pete Rubis the bad part they only teach you this after you have an accident or your involved In a situation I did it after my truck broke down kind of my fault
You're joking I hope. This isn't part of truck driving training??
The academy themselves ONLY help you get your cdl. Thats all the academy is for. Swift leaves it up to your mentor that they set you up with to teach you how to back, slide fifth wheel, etc. that part just doesnt happen.
To bad none of their new drivers didnt soak this info in 😂😂😂😂😂
Pete Rubis I got my cdl from swift in 2007. This is what they teach everyone and everyone from swift knows this setup but 90% of inexperienced swift driver I see out there don't use it, I don't understand why?..
For you 'Pros' and 'Experts out there, it's good to see a tutorial like this that gives you the basics in how to do it. At the end of the day, we all have to start somewhere , not all of us can be experts from day one as some of you guys make yourselves out to be. This video is an excellent reminder of where to start and brush up on your manoeuvring skills.
The problem with this video, it isn't mandatory or shown to newbs!! It should be! I have been driving for a year now and first I have seen of it. I am going to try this trick. They guy who did my driving test, told me three vehicles then turn. I think it is too much. This video makes better sense.
This video showed me wht I needed to do I've had my CDL going on two years I have drove with a company driving a box truck and Monday was my first time driving a class A since I got out of truck driving school . And my backing sucks so bad I feel shame but the guys see that I struggle with it they help me out they say hey it takes time you'll get.. and video I belive will help me out I even wrote the notes down.. 📝
It would be kind of hard to see that glove at night or in the rain. Points of reference should be fixed objects, not something that can be moved by nature.
@@commodorerook3797That is a good thing.
@@kevinphillips150 it does set a frame of reference tho..the 12-9 45 degree set up and back is fundamental, forget the glove, put your left shoulder on the outside of the trailer following the open hole or box you have to back into..if no trailer, make it the outside line of the second box, head out to your 12 and then over to your 9 back up on that 45 degree angle with wheels straight until your tandems stop rolling and start to pivot(you'll learn to notice with a few attempts) then hard left to the hole...if you dont have the space to make it to 12 o'clock,.go to 10:30 or 10 even and then to 9 ..it sets the same 45 angle in a shorter space...the fundamentals of this video are exactly how you do it and will become second nature over time..
Even though I'm 2.5 yrs in of driving and have backed into many docks, I still find these vids very informative and refreshing.
As a new driver, this was the Best tutorial thus far....can't wait to implement it!!! Thank You so much!!!
Notice all the room he has. I've been to places where there was very little room to make proper backing set up, so I had to improvise. As long as you get the trailer in the desired spot without hitting anything or anyone, you did a correct back. Plain and simple
nice lines and daylight too.... I never get all three in one yard lol
Matt B not many places I've ever been has that much room
Matt B I was thinking the same,he has all the place he needs...
So.. do tankers with liquid sulfur or some other such HAZMAT follow the same rules or do they have a special way to unload?
funny thing is with that much space. It is easier to just cut it sharp and have the
trailer almost perfectly lined up with out have to do all that 45 degree 90 degree
stuff.
Best rule I ever got taught when it comes to backing up. If you have the room use it.
Swift: do you have any experience?
Applicant: I only watched your 6 min video on RUclips.
Swift: You’re Hired!
Cosimo 😂😂😂
LMAO
I hope you’re right... Cos I’m going to apply tomorrow!!
Theres a lot of outfits like that nowadays unfortunately
Swift: You're over qualified get the fuck out of my office!
I have just started playing Euro Truck Simulator 2 and this technique is a life saver. Thank you so much!
American truck simulator player here
the instructor is amazing in explaining everything he's saying , I'm currently student for cdl.. and i thank you for sharing you experiences ....
The one driver at swift that can back up.
Must be one of the elders ready for retirement.
Must be a closed-minded bystander that does nothing but laugh at Swift drivers, you clearly haven’t seen all the drivers out there I feel sorry for you.
Many on here say getting out 3 times is stupid. Same people are backing into people. To all new drivers out there, ignore the super truckers with beat up tractors and trailers. Please get out as often as you need. Beats someone having to replace their front end because you stayed on your lazy a$$.
I love the Super Truckers who talk crap about us new drivers and our training or so called non-training. Shiid, all of these new rules and "over" regulations are because of a bunch of y'all😒 My trainer is a Veteran Super Trucker with over 27 years of experience, and he is hardly a safe driver.
I'm an instructor. And to pass state tests you have to do 1) set up as to where your trailer is 90 degrees from the dock, 2) allowed 2 looks,3) 1 pull up, and 3) only have 5 minutes to complete it. This video just shows why the quality of drivers in large outfits are shit. So your saying don't listen to "super truckers", that's equivalent to saying "don't listen to guys with half million miles in the seats". I have a certified million n a half under my belt stud. N the boys I train are put under pressure with little to no room for failure. Guess who can back up without dropping gloves, n 3 looks. Swift is shit.
@@jrremerable Yes in my state you get a limited number of Goals and pull-ups also. However no state tester watches you in the real world and those tests are very do-able after weeks of instruction on how to do the exact backs over and over again. In the real world there is no multiple practices, where to look when you start turning ect.
True, but also in the real world ya always don't get 40 acres to do what is described as a 90 in this video. By training guys this way your just getting it so they fill a seat, not actually pay attention or problem solve. Hence the reason Swift has one of the worst safety records, and is self insured. No insurance company would touch em. Another thing to think about is what is classified as a "driver". Most days "super truckers" don't need half dozen looks or God's plenty of room to back into spots. I.E. truckstops. They know the equipment, can figure the angles, and get backed in with no issues. Chicago, Philly, just take your pick, has little to no room to alley dock. Yet extended hood Pete's pulling 53' refers do it on a nightly basis. Have you noticed who drives those types of combinations? Any large outfits has to have single axle rigs to do it n they still get into wrecks. So training is everything. Make it easy like in this video, they won't learn shit. Make it a challenge, like we do, you begin to get quality. Then it doesn't matter who's watching, they'll do it quick every time.
unrated comment
this video was insanely helpful when i got out of my cdl course and into driver training.. i had a great trainer that showed me this. i probably watched it 100 times
I’m doing my on the road training right now. And thank you for this video. I like being taught by telling me “HOW” to do something, not “SHOWING” me how to do it.
You are the 45 degree GOAT!!!💪🏾💪🏾
I am driving trucks over 31 years and I can definitely say, good tutorial. :)
I'm glad to hear you found it helpful!
No one has ever explained this so clearly. Great trainer!
I'm glad to hear you found it helpful!
Thank you for this. Short and sweet. Less is more as far as the information you gave. The best and most simple backing video I've seen yet and I've watched hundreds. Cant wait to start school at swift.
Been driving for over 6 years, great tutorial, and even every now and then i still get out and look. Your mirrors are great, when the suns not in them.
Something's wrong You didn't hit anything!!
Michael Irwin 💀💀💀
Lol
Michael Irwin lmao!!
😂😂😂 that will be in part #2 of the video
Last minute he drop the hooker and say adios
One time I had to 90 degree, blind side into a dock. Was not fun. After the 3rd hour finally got it in. Went into my sleeper and cried.
LOL 😄😁👍👍👍
OMG, 3 hours?! Way to go and complete your mission! I would have cried too!😎
Take the LLLLLL Cry rat 🐀
😂 😂
A nice trick if you have electric morrow on that side is move it as you blind side ... jus don't forget to move it back
Definitely not dude’s first rodeo .that was legendary.
They need more people like this guy to train swifty...
In trucking business in general
i seriously doubt he actually drives as a "trainer", he's probably got tons of experience under his belt though, but you don't get repetitive practice at a school, you have to share time and equipment with other students. there is a world of difference between practicing at a school/academy/company property and practicing in the field (on the road, with a trainer)... and on the road is where you actually learn a LOT of what you need to know... if you have a trainer that's worth a damn
From my experience with Swift drivers, the backing up isn't the problem. It's driving straight. Lol
@@John-lq9cc 😂
I don't think I've ever had that much room to back up to a dock. In most instances the docks are located where it's convenient for the shipper/receiver NOT the driver.
i didn't even have this much room in school lol
just the other day i had a pharma load where i had to do a 90 degree blind side from a roundabout 😬😂😂
Oddly enough, I do better in those tight spaces. If you give me a wide open dock, I'm gonna take a minute 😅
@@thebigdrew12 Believe me, I understand. Once at the Ball Metal plant in Aurora, Co. I watched a young driver backup to a dock without success for the better part of an hour. When I came back around to that side of the plant the driver (a female) was in tears. I stopped and took the wheel and showed her how to get it accomplished. There were no lines on the ground and the lot was Wide Open giving her no assistance at all.
There is why Switf drivers can pull out of a parking lot without taking a mirror or a bumper!! LoL
I once watched a guy back into a tight spot and with no wasted motion, he put the trailer right on the money, then he folded the tractor 90 degrees to the trailer so as to not stick out into the sidewalk. Very impressive. I told him he was an artist.
I was able to do that exactly one time.
It was tight as hell off a 4 lane street with concrete walls on either side and I would’ve been sticking out past the sidewalk and into the first lane of the road.
I was having a bit of trouble since traffic kept getting in the way and getting me frustrated. Eventually a tow truck driver whipped out in front of everyone with his lights on and got on the other side in a high-vis and blocked traffic for me. I was then able to just reset and put it in first time (first time the fifth time lol) and i somehow even shimmied a little bit to get my tractor off the street and unblocked half the sidewalk… dont ask me how i did it because i have no clue but it was a great feeling, coupled with the generosity of that tow truck driver and its a day i wont soon forget
I have to do this every day at the same dock, blind sided. Took me about a month and a half of embarrassment. No I can do it with my eyes closed. (I won't though😂)
I never heard it broken down like this, I learned by trial and error. I pulled munitions trailers in the military which were very short and had a tongue with front tires that turned with the tongue. Plus we usually pulled two trailers at a time so once I was out of the military and driving a truck I found it easy to back. This was before the CDL.
Going back to Swift after a year off due to the Pandemic. Bit rusty, probably more nervous than anything. Couldn't understand any tutorial on backing when I had first started out late 2017. Now, after 2.5 years of experience, 3 companies, and hundreds of Drops all over, this video is a great reminder. Will get me goin' again, after a year away from Truckin'. 🚛🌨️ Thankyou. 💜
That was EXCELLENT instructions. Very simple & to the point. Superb teaching 👌
What do you call 52 Swift drivers in a room together. .. one years experience!
Leroy Routt lol
I don't even live in America and watched a few truck parking crash videos 90% of them were swift trucks.
@Jimmy De'Souza yes sir they are. Swift has their own trainers and they churn out graduates by the truck load. I am not bashing those who simply lack experience, everyone has to learn, but Swift and some other mega carrier's too will put a person in a truck on their own before they have been properly trained by a qualified instructor.
Exactly. I am with you, I am not bashing rookies, I am bashing carrier's who put people in their trucks before they have been properly trained.
Swift is the biggest trucking company world wide , and they have lots of student drivers. Which makes obvious that they will have accidents. None of the people I trained have ever crashed. I have been with swift since 1999.
I have watched dozens of these types of videos and this one seems to make the most sense to me. Thanks.
USA has really thought of every little thing. Man am I impressed!!
I' m a Truckdriver in Germany, and this Video is great !
Thank you very much ;-)
I hope there is no swift in Germany! Worse driver in the US for sure
You're very welcome!
So I just wanted to say thank you for showing this video. I recently got my class 1 and backing up to a dock had proven to be a bit challenging until I saw your tutorial. Today I had to pick up a load of insulation in the 53' van trailer and I tried your process. It worked the very first time I attempted it. Thanks again!
I'm glad to hear it helped! Thanks for sharing.
This video was right on point. I had difficulty docking as a new Amazon Freight driver, but I've been getting it every time.
Gosh, he such a good instructor. I like his teaching .
Great video sir. Thank you.
First swift trailer I've seen with no scratches or dents! 😲
I learned how to take my backing skills to a whole new level because of the guy in this video this guy really knew his stuff
I drive a Sprinter van with a 6x12 enclosed trailer behind it, and I'm happy to see I inherently follow most of these steps just from experience, but I can find tune my method with your tutorial.
After watching this, I find myself wondering why SWIFT drivers fail so incredibly often?? This is by far one of the best backing videos on the internet.
Id bet in terms of percentage they dont fail anymore than any of the other guys there is just so many, odds are its gonna be a swift truck. But i dont know jack shit about the intrapolitical web or anything about trucking just an observation
This is an excellent, informative, well put together video. Now, show this to the trainees
Very good video, very professional. Hopefully it educates new drivers on how to back in properly, absolutely scary to be in the bunk trying to sleep as a truck spends 45 mins trying to get into a spot that should take 5. Great job
It's scary because YOU know it! Allow others TO GROW
Excellent video and professional explanation, I took me years to understand this, watch a couple times and practice!
This is the best explained backing video so far
A very good video, to the point with explanations clear & concise. Could not ask for anything better! Thanks.
A lotta people bitching about this, but he did it the way I was taught, not at Swift, and I've spotted an awful lot of trailers, NEVER a hiccup. He had plenty of room and was backing on sight side, so it does get trickier. But the confidence that comes with doing it successfully is one of the things that allows folks to do the more challenging backs. And they DO get more challenging.
@hello Daniel how are you doing?
The instructor here reminds of a military instructor: sharply dressed, professional in demeanor, and dedicated to his chosen line of work.
Sorry swift, but your reputation proceeds you. A swift driver teaching others to back up is what keeps the pilot parking lot a treasure trove of RUclips material. I've been at it for 27 years and yall still don't disappoint. 👏👏👏😂
Seen tons of these and this video was excellent. Simple, strategic, comprehensible, and elegant. I'm starting school Monday @ Apex and so glad i found this video. Also leaning towards Swift to start my career. Thanks
Robert Winfrey damn apex nice give an update. I heard theyre 1 of the best in country
you will seldom see as much room, fresh painted lines and daylight all in one yard. You may get one of the three but not all three together. lol
snowflake 97 I'd love to see a 10 pm in a shit pouring rain, and the lines... WHAT LINES??? That would be way more impressive. This ain't a bad video..... IF EVERTHING IS PERFECT. In the real world, I haven't seen perfect.
Robert Winfrey: In the Name of the Father, the Son & the Holy Ghost...
Great Job Dan this is great video for anyone new to backing. I drove for 17 years and was a road instructor at a truck driving school have Vertigo now and lost my CDL I wish I could train again I really loved it. You can also do a GOAL since you have to go open the trailer doors on a swing door anyway. With a roll door I would do the GOAL and check the trailer seal make sure it was still there. 1.5 million safety miles with one accident that was not my fault (I was not cited) a pickup coming the other way turn left in front of me at a light when I was at the white line I hit his bed, weird thing it did more damage to my semi than the pickup.
I get vertigo randomly but usually once per year, is that similar to you? Why did you lose your CDL over it?
This is definitely going to be useful for when I do my driving test. I’m gonna keep watching this until I can learn it enough so that when the time comes I can practically master it.
By far, the simplest, most effective explanation for the 45. Thank you from a former Swifty
just watched this to learn so I can earn more XP on my truck simulator
Same for me!
Me too
Lmao!
Personal Racing Day i wouldnt watch swift video then 😂
Same here😂
Awesome, I'm gonna watch this a few more times. Thank you
You're welcome! Hope it helps.
I'm potentially going to be doing a yard jockey position for a month at my job, and I haven't been in the cab of a tractor in seven years (since driving school), so I'm going to be referencing this video religiously. You made this look a lot easier than I was afraid it was going to be, and it's helping ease my nerves a little.
The more I watch these videos I learn a lot
Swift drivers hate this guy!
See how he backed up a trailer with this one weird trick!
"What's the trick" you ask?
*DO NOT HIT ANY THING...*
@King First Agreed, real world can be a whole different animal.
That we saw
SWIFT = Sure Wish I Finished Training
... 99% of swift drivers missed this day of training.
Rumble Truckin sad but true they need to train better of hire better drivers I worked for them and loved it but it has such a bad reputation
Jose Sigala I quit Knight when they bought Swift. Now I own my own truck and actually make a living. Mega carriers are the worst.
It was my first trucking job but I have nothing bad to say about swift when it comes to me always payed on time always had loads and always got me home when I needed to be i work at Pepsi now because my family did not want me on the road
I think many new drivers completley ignores one key thing to do whenever you are unsure of something; Go Out And Look... I mean; they'd rather risk shaming themselves by trying to get it in by one go and possibly ruin the equippment and structures of others, just to show off for the older drivers, rather than playing it safe and let your experience grow naturally...
De Wolfie It's Get Out And Look... NOT Go Out And Look. lol I will leave you alone on your horrible grammar and misspellings.
Nice video. Great advice. It's refreshing to see something positive from SWIFT.
Very informative and educational. Thanks, SWIFT team!
After failing my backing test 2 times, i hopped on RUclips one evening and learned the trick. I returned the following morning to pass it.
Best docking video ever
This guy is a good teacher
I would like to thank for this great training video. The instructor is a real pro. I use this technique every single time and pass it to my trainees 👍
este señor es un gran maestro.
Thank you, this tutorial is the best on youtube
Wow if only people explained everything in life as easy as you made this sound... Awesome vid!!
Best video ever watched about alley docking. Thank you so much. Sir
Not gonna lie. That's the nicest Columbia I've ever seen.
You forgot step #9
Swift driver prepares insurance information to give to police for the damage to both trucks he backed between
bred white lmfao
Lmao!!!!
no no no, step #9, would be to look around for any witnesses, if none are seen, make a run for it!
I have seen too many videos with swift drivers just leaving after hitting other parked rigs.
They skipped that part becuase the Swift way is to skip that step and drive away.
Wow, are so hilarious, how on earth did did you become the MOST hilarious person on God's Earth
My first week solo I STRUGGLED with backing.... This surprising helped. A lot. Thank you
Starting trucking school on the 5th and this was very informative thanks!
I can back up with my EYES CLOSED..of course I hit several parked trucks and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage, but hey I still prove I can do it.
You back up with your eyes closed? Oh, so you do work for SWIFT
Lol
😂😂😂
Lol crazy...
*hundreds of thousands
True story I learned how to back my truck up by using Grand Theft Auto V
I used the game driver on playstation 2
American Truck Simulator for me.
Lol I learned using a toy semi
@@Brian-rg4dg same
i used san andreas
Im with second trainer and im about to leave that company cuz i just wasn't understanding the whole conception. And the trainers were just loosing control of themselves.
Thanks a lot for your goove trick, shoulder mark,clock orientation, and clear English! I will learn !
I watched Handfuls of videos, however, this video was by Far the best video I've seen. The way in which each step was explained, especially, the dropping of the glove and following the driver side dock line so you know that you will not hit the trailer on your blind side. Watched it twice and bookmarked it for future use. Please make more videos.
This was a damn good video. I’m sure there’s TONS more to know but this was definitely a confidence booster…
one thing I'm only appreciative toward swift. got my licence thru them 5yrs ago. now a owner operator own authority!
otr?
Eber, next week I'm taking my CDL exam. Can you tell me how you went from being a Swift driver to being an owner operator. I was a shipping supervisor for 10 years. In October 2017, I got fired. Now my plan is to get my own truck and start hauling dirt here in the central texas area. I have a colleague that was fired a little while before I was from the same place and he has a truck now and hauls dirt and he says that he is doing great. I think that I can do great too. Thanks
Casey Miller ..!.. Can I Driver with U to Hualing To Load..!..
Casey Miller i can tell u i got my license thru swift ( get your cdl and run)
I make over 7,000$ a week as a owner operator and i made my video where i show you my pay and past loads and tittle to my truck
And show how easy it is to make over a Million dollars just in 3 years as a OWNER OPERAOR............... pls check it out my last VIDEO !!!!!
Thank you, I'm a new trucker and this video helped me a lot
Good job, I’ve been driving for 29 years and that is a good way of explaining to young people how to back up
Here at SWIFT you back up till it sounds expensive Then you keep going and then you drive away!
🤣🤣🤣
Sir today I have passed my road test , this video is very helpful . Thank you
I'm glad to hear you found it helpful!
Thank God, a pro trucker took the time to strategically and wisely REVEAL how to intelligently BACK a truck correctly, at an odd angle!
that is really good tutorial for new driver. my husband is my mentor he benn in trucking for many years and i appreciate everything he teach. he work local now and i stay heavy haul at swift its been 5 years trucking by my self. swift giving me the opportunity to be on thier team and i am truly greatful thank you swift.
Instead of posting it on RUclips you should make sure you drivers see this
They’ll find this video eventually. They might be on here.
Great tutorial. I am going to try that on my truck simulator.
Nice job on this Mr. Fleck. Well done.
Not a truck driver but I'm planning on getting American truck simulator for my PC and outside of the get out and look and dropping the glove, everything else was very informative on how to properly back a trailer in when I play that game.
Really is a whole mind rewire of reversing.
For anyone learning how to back a straightline here's a tip that worked well for me: Keep your hand(s) at the very top of your steering wheel (12 o'clock position) Look straight down the side of your trailer in the mirror at the end of the trailer. If the rear end starts drifting towards the left side of your mirror turn your wheel a little bit to the left and visa versa. Knowing how much to turn the wheel comes with practice. If you have parking space lines on the ground this works very well but getting lined up correctly is important. Practice is the only way to get good at it and none if us were born knowing how to back using mirrors. Be well everyone.
Never have I seen any of your drivers do this, they do however hit just about everything in the lot
Lmao!!!
PING PONG
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
God, I love it when niggas keep it real 💯🤪.
yep, on ramps are safer. nothing scarier than swift trucks running around the lot with my truck parked. actually goes for a lot of fright haulers
Am very excited about learning how backing trailer you make it easy, more videos please need to perfect my driving 👍👏
Best instruction ever. Thank you very much!