How to back a tractor-trailer 90 degrees

Being able to back a semi-truck and trailer is one of the most useful skills for a truck driver to have. In this video, Bob and Carl demonstrate how to back up a tractor-trailer at a 90-degree angle, one of the most common backing scenarios drivers will encounter on the road.

0:35 – Setting up the 90-degree back.
0:55 – Get out and look.
1:20 – Moving forward before you back.
1:40 – Beginning the back.
1:46 – Backing toward the spot.
1:56 – Straightening out.
2:10 – Turning the steering wheel left to feed the trailer into the spot.
2:30 – Get out and look.
3:12 – Straightening out and feeding the trailer into the spot.

Please note that the video is just an example. It is important to remember the type of driver you are, the company you work for and the type of truck you drive can impact how to back up a tractor-trailer. Be sure to consult your company guidelines or speak with your leader for more information on backing up a tractor-trailer.

Related videos:
1. How to back up a tractor-trailer

2. How to back a tractor-trailer with limited forward space

3. Schneider inexperienced truck driver training: How it sets us apart

Join the Conversation:

This video is for general information only. It is not intended to cover all circumstances or to serve as a substitute for comprehensive safety training.
© 2021 Schneider National, Inc. All rights reserved.

#TruckDriver #TruckDriving #TractorTrailer, #Backing, #HowToBack, #Trucking, #HowTo

[clxt]

Sure, use the highway horn at a truck stop or at a parking area 'cause everyone needs to wake up and watch you

[Ranixx]

I just finished my training in Portland Oregon. I’m so glad I came here as a new driver!!

[eugene]

Learned to back up with a 84 GM General and a empty chassis. Was able to see what I I could not see when a trailer blocking view ! The practice came in handy as a city driver and had to back down a alley and blindside into door ! As for bunk trucks ? Tried one once and felt so lost in it !!😁

[mrblackmamba]

I personally know this guy when I went for my 2 weeks training it was in our class and we were when we were doing backing you was out there with us really nice guy very patient and very patient and kinda funny I wish you all the best my brother

[jesseostone]

Where the tandems are located determines when to start turning the steering wheel. I noted that the tandems are in the middle of the slide on this trailer.

[calitruckdriver]

Thanks to Schneider for showing me how to alley dock to add on to what I already learned at trucking school it was a fun experience class of October 2015 Fontana CA now bought by Swift.

[rogersawyers]

Just got my license and learning more about different kinds of parking school was great but now I’ll be out in the real world

[davemartin]

I was a road training engineer at your aberfoyle. (Toronto) operations for 5 yrs out of my 10 an we did this with my students as much as possible. If IN Doubt GET OUT And Look . Can't stress that enough. Did a good job there Green Bay. Sorry to see aberfoyle close. 😃

[kevinleftridge]

I'm being Schneiderized and LOVE IT!!!❤❤❤

[digitalbilly]

hey great video this helps me alot backing up 53'

[jerrycasana]

Great videos very informative Thanks for sharing Sir

[NJ-nroc]

Carl was the best guy I got good training with him

[franklinpimentelfranklin]

Very good driver instructior! Congratulations

[truckingstudy]

Easier said than done. Knowing how far out from the other trucks to be driving, and how far past the hole to go before backing, are crucial. And where your tandems are makes all the difference in the world. Also, it depends on how much room you have to maneuver. If you have a lot of room, then no need to cut it so tight, which is higher risk and requires more precision. As for GOAL, I have no idea why the first one is needed. I realize that's the industry standard as taught to drivers, but you can inspect the hole just fine from the driver's seat while driving past it. But the second one is crucial for such tight backing, because much damage has been caused by hitting the truck on the blind side, especially mirrors.

[Nisar]

Great video and great teach
I wish to come soon to USA And learn trucking from U

[oscarechavarria]

Muchas gracias...un abrazo..son útiles estos vídeos 🙏🙏💯🇨🇴💪

[aapm]

Hello, i am from Portugal
Congratillations, great video

[theghostoftravel]

I used this video to beat my hostler yard dog test for my job, thanks!

[jdrancho]

Nice video, to be sure, but avoid this situation if you can, for these three reasons; when you start pushing the nose on the trailer, the trailer tires are almost completely stationary. The tires don'[t roll, they are getting pushed sideways. That is bad for the tire tread, as well as the axle suspension linkages, especially on hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
The next thing is you have to be mindful of is the trailer's rear overhang. If you move the tandems all the way back, the end of the trailer will pivot in place and allow you to do this right in front of the hole. But if your tandems have let's say a California setting (42 ft kingpin to trailer axle), there is a lot of overhang, and you need to be positioned well in front of the hole, and when you start pushing back, the rear trailer edge on the blind side needs to be watched constantly, so GOAL.

Finally, look at the drone shot. Look at the tractor position at the beginning of the turn and well towards the 45 degree angle. The blind spot along the right-hand side of the trailer is HUGE. Anything approaching from the right side of the screen is completely invisible to the driver. Also, that moment and when he starts following the trailer is a good time to hit obstacles that are low to the ground, like hydrants, crash posts, and anything else someone decides to put there.

All in all, when backing, set the truck up in an mirror or inverted S-configuration, and use all the room available. Leave the 90 degree technique for when you really have to.

[edwardrhein]

That's the way I was taught to back and it works. But I needed to do some pull ups and 4x4 it. : )