There are many skills to acquire when becoming a truck driver, and arguably the hardest one is learning how to back up a tractor-trailer safely. Schneider’s new CDL holder orientation provides backing and slow maneuvering training in much detail, but we wanted to know what advice experienced truck drivers had to offer for new drivers. That’s why we asked our Facebook followers for their best piece of advice for new drivers about backing up a tractor-trailer. The comments were packed with useful tips, and we want to share the five best ones with you, with added commentary from Schneider’s “Highway to Success” driver handbook.

How to Back a Tractor Trailer:

1. “G.O.A.L. Get out and look. Take your time. Don't rush yourself.” – Paul Isaiah Archuleta

   There’s no surprise G.O.A.L. is at number one. Get out of your truck and look at where you need to back up. Walk around the entire unit. Stand in the spotter position, 20-25’ in front and diagonal to the passenger side tractor bumper and look at the parking spot, the blind side, the area that the tractor will use while backing and any area that you cannot see.

2. “Never back up unless you really have to.” – Joe Schwenz Sr.

   The best way to hedge against a backing accident is not to back up if you don’t have to. You should try to eliminate unnecessary backs by planning and parking in spaces you can pull through.

3. “If you’re unsure where you are at, get a spotter to help you. Always back up as straight as you can. Don't be in a hurry. Remember safety first. Always back up with your window down, and back up mostly using your left mirror. Good luck.” – Donald Leyva

   A spotter should be used whenever possible. Position the spotter so he/she is able to see what you cannot. Again, this is 20’-25’ out from the right front corner of the tractor. Agree on hand signals you expect the spotter to use. Stop is the most important signal to have. Anytime the spotter is out of sight, STOP. Make sure your tractor and trailer are straight and aligned with the parking space. Rolling your windows down increases the visibility of your mirrors, which you should be continuously checking.

4. “The best thing I can say is watch your mirrors stop and look if you’re not sure, and always blow your horn before backing up any place. Remember you can't see right behind you. Be safe and good luck driver.” – George Raymond

   You must use both mirrors to guide you when making backing adjustments. Sound the horn before backing (two toots, once for getting their attention and the second to give them the direction it is coming from) and use the four-way flashers anytime the vehicle is in reverse.

5. “You are driving the trailer and not the truck. Steer the rear tandems, and G.O.A.L.” – Pam Nanney Carroll

   The tractor steers the trailer. The drive axles of the tractor become the trailer’s steering axle. Remember, when you turn the steering wheel to the right, the rear of the trailer goes left and when you turn the steering wheel to the left, the rear of the trailer goes to the right.

Check out the rest of the tips shared on our Facebook post: