Author: T. Ellis

Backing up a tractor-trailer is one of the most challenging tasks professional drivers face. It demands precision, patience, and a keen sense of awareness. Drivers must navigate tight spaces, avoid potential hazards, and adapt to varying conditions, which can quickly become overwhelming when backing a 53-foot trailer into a dock. To refine your backing techniques and make the process smoother, consider these valuable tips from driver trainer Ryan:

Techniques to include in your backing routine:

1. G.O.A.L – Get out and look.
2. Hazards – Always turn on your flashers as it warn others around you that you are going to be performing a backing maneuver.
3. Minimize distractions – Turn off the radio and any other distractions.
4. Open Your Windows – you need to be able to hear what’s going on around you.
5. Back from Your Sight Side – Whenever possible back from your sight side. Back in so you can see down the left side of your vehicle.

Tips & Tricks:

1. Don’t Chase the Trailer – When backing you don’t want to oversteer. If you are constantly steering hard left and right to keep control of the trailer you are oversteering.
2. Patience – Don’t let yourself get flustered. It takes time to get skilled at backing.
3. Learn from Others – When you’re sitting in a dock, pay attention to how other drivers set themselves up and back in. Every driver has their own way of doing things. You can learn a lot from watching others.
4. Use Tire Tracks as a Guide: If you are backing into a space that lots of other trucks have been in and out of, you can use their tire tracks as a guide to show you where your tires should be as you back.
5. Practice Regularly – Whenever you get a chance to practice, take advantage of the opportunity.

As professional truck drivers, we must develop a thorough backing routine and continually practice in different conditions. Applying this approach and the tips listed above will not only enhance your precision and control but also ensure safety and operational efficiency. It will also help better prepare you for diverse backing scenarios on the road. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and every maneuver counts. Stay vigilant and never hesitate to seek assistance when needed.

 LONG TERM ROAD CLOSURE – Brush College Road (north of Faries)  Decatur, IL

Please be aware that Brush College Road north of Faries Parkway will be CLOSED beginning Friday, August 30, and will remain closed for nearly the remainder of the overpass project. Truck traffic will need to access Faries Parkway using Hubbard, 22nd Street, and Garfield.

Brush College Road south of Faries Parkway (using the underpass) will once again be open starting August 30. We will have the jug handle road ready for use about mid-September.

• You will not be able to go north on Brush College Road from the Faries Parkway intersection
• You can travel Brush College Road south of Faries Parkway between Faries and William Street
• Additionally, the new E Harrison Ave road (west of Brush College Rd) will be open to access that area.

Please drive cautiously as work continues on the huge overpass project. Apologies for the inconvenience!

EDIT: Updated to reflect new closure date of 8/30 instead of 8/29

Truck drivers are constantly being thrown curveballs. Getting a load from point A to point B may sound simple, but it is frequently anything but. Drivers who plan ahead and are prepared for what may happen on the road are better equipped to solve those problems and keep moving. Think of all the problems that can come up: road hazards, inclement weather, tractor/trailer problems, load safety/securement problems, delays due to traffic, construction, shippers or receivers, etc. Drivers have a lot on their plates and have to continually adapt to anything that might happen on the road. Good problem-solving skills can help to turn a stressful situation into a learning opportunity.

When faced with a challenge, keep in mind these problem-solving steps.

• Identification of the problem
  • Pay attention to your surroundings to observe any current or potential problems and investigate the situation.
• Analyze the situation
  • Consider the risks involved and gather the information needed to solve the problem.
  • Use reason, logic, and common sense to form a plan of action.
  • Take a step back and look at the broader perspective to analyze how the decision will impact you and the company as a whole. Always make sure your decision aligns with company values.
• Plan implementation
  • Decide the most appropriate plan of action and put it in place. Consider all the potential ways of fixing the problem. 
  • Remember Occam’s Razor: the simplest explanation or solution is often the best. However, not all problems will have an easy fix. If you’re not sure what plan of action to take, always reach out to your Driver Manager.

Consider these scenarios to find the best solutions to the problems.

• You just left a shipper and scaled out to find out that you are overweight. What do you do?
  • Can you take an APU exemption? Will you burn off enough fuel to be legal? Can you slide the tandems? Consider the simplest solutions first. If none of those apply, the best option is to go back to the shipper to have product removed or to rework the load.
  • What if you hook a trailer at a drop lot to finish a delivery and scale the load to find that it was overloaded and the original driver didn’t scale it? If you can’t use any of the above solutions, the best option is to ask the Driver Manager for guidance. You don’t want to deliver late, but that’s preferable to getting an overweight ticket or being put out of service.
• Your clock is running low and you’re stuck at a shipper or receiver and are worried you will run out of time before you can find parking. What do you do?
  • Assuming you’ve already trip planned where you were originally planning to break, this curveball can ruin those plans. The first option would be to ask the facility if you can break on their lot. If that’s not an option or they don’t have any facilities available to drivers, your next option would be to PC a short distance, if applicable for an empty trailer, or use Safe Haven to get to a truck stop. Your DM can also help you find and reserve parking for you if needed.

Remember, experts aren’t made overnight. The longer you drive, the more experience and skills you will develop and you’ll be better able to problem-solve on the fly. Drivers who plan ahead and are prepared for what can happen on the road are better equipped to solve those problems and keep moving. And always reach out to your Driver Manager if you are having trouble.

Referring drivers can be incredibly beneficial for several reasons. When you refer drivers to us, you’re helping expand our fleet, which can directly impact the company’s success and profitability. Here’s how this benefits YOU and Marvin Keller:

• Increased Revenue: More drivers mean more operational capacity. With additional drivers, the company can handle more shipments, serve more clients, and ultimately increase its revenue. This revenue growth is crucial for sustaining and expanding the business.
• Enhanced Driver Compensation: With increased revenue, the company can offer higher pay and better benefits, boosting compensation and job satisfaction for all drivers. Referring more drivers supports this growth.
• Investment in New Equipment: Higher revenue allows the company to invest in newer equipment and advanced technology, leading to greater efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and improved service quality.
• Better Service and Customer Satisfaction: With more drivers and better equipment, the company can offer better service to its clients. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and potentially more business opportunities, which further drives revenue growth.
• Referral Bonus: You will receive a $1,000 referral bonus and 500 pro-points when you make a referral.

Clearing Up Misconceptions:

All leads are good leads. A common misconception is that you might face negative consequences if a referred driver has an accident or performs poorly. Rest assured, you won’t be penalized for their actions. You’re only responsible for your performance, and referring someone doesn’t make you accountable for their behavior.

Recruiting Materials:

Not sure where to start when referring? We offer various recruiting materials to help you make others aware of Marvin Keller:

• Handouts: We recently invested in some new recruiting materials to give to potential candidates. The handout explains who we are as a company and what we have to offer. All you need to do is ask your DM and we will mail them to you as soon as possible.
• Business Cards: With your name and our contact info on the card, these make for a great recruiting tool. Ask your DM for some business cards and we will be happy to place an order for you.
• Website: Direct anyone you talk to about working with us to www.marvinkeller.com. There is a lot of valuable information about job details, including our application for them to fill out!

If you have any questions about referring, ask your DM or our Recruiting Department.

By referring drivers, you play a key role in our growth and receive a referral bonus. Use our handouts, business cards, and website to share information about opportunities at Marvin Keller. Your referrals play a pivotal role in our mutual success, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Start referring today!

In the trucking industry, teamwork is more than a concept—it’s a necessity for success. The foundations of great teamwork are built on personal responsibility, selflessness, and effective collaboration. These principles not only enhance operational efficiency but also ensure safety and reliability on the road.

Personal Responsibility is crucial for any team member, be it a driver, dispatcher, or support staff. Each person must diligently manage their responsibilities—drivers ensuring their vehicle’s condition and adhering to schedules, and dispatchers efficiently planning routes and managing communication. When everyone upholds their individual duties with care, the entire team functions smoothly.

Selflessness In the world of trucking, teamwork extends beyond individual roles. Drivers must be willing to assist one another, share vital information, and collaborate on problem-solving. Selflessness might mean offering help during a breakdown, sharing insights on traffic conditions, or stepping in to cover a load when needed. This mutual support not only helps navigate the challenges of long-haul trips but also ensures customer satisfaction and promotes a safer, more efficient operation.

Collaboration Effective teamwork goes beyond just drivers. It includes coordinating with dispatchers, maintenance crews, and other team members. By communicating openly, sharing updates, and working together on route planning and problem-solving, you help ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently. Collaboration leads to fewer delays and a safer working environment for everyone.

By focusing on these principles, truck drivers can contribute to a more cohesive and effective team. Start applying these principles today—reach out to a colleague, offer support, and share your ideas for better collaboration. Teamwork in trucking not only enhances operational efficiency but also promotes safety and reliability on the road.

The Central IL Truck Convy is taking place on August 24, 2024, at the Effingham County Fairgrounds. All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish.

If you are interested in participating, please let us know and we can help you register!

https://www.centralillinoistruckconvoy.com/home#register