I've been doing this for 7 years. One piece of advice I always give is it is all about the setup. Don't let anyone rush you and take your time. No load is worth your life. Safety is always #1.

“All you can do is laugh and keep trying” I like that philosophy.

I can imagine the employees LOVE watching people back there, it gives them a 10-20min break every time they get a new truck.

Don't listen to these nay sayers. These indoor docks can be very challenging. As a past OTR driver myself for 16 years, these do get easier the more you back into them. The only thing I saw that you could have done a little later was slide your tandems once you were lined up. Other than that you did what you were supposed to. Whether you nail it the first time or get out and look (G.O.A.L.) half a dozen times, you performed a successful back. Good job. Keep on keeping on.

Dave, a trick I use for those interior docks with poor lighting is to put a bright flashlight on the floor next to the dock just to right of where I need to place the left outer trailer tire. Serves as a beacon to guide me where to back up.

I’m actually surprised that they didn’t give you a walkie-talkie And have somebody there to spot you if it’s that deep. Because that would help immensely with other truckers who are in this situation

I like to use glowsticks from family dollar to help with these docks. Set a couple on the ground to act as lights to line up with. I've also heard of people using laser pointers or flashlights.

Hey Dave I just wanted to thank you for your videos. You inspired me to get my career in trucking started. In 2 weeks I start my path to getting my cdl.

You actually handled this dock pretty good man I don't understand why these type of docks even exist

That driver's laugh is contagious lol, had me dying!

Hey Dave I just applied to cfi. You’ve inspired me to actually do it. A recruiter got back to me today and I told them I watch you and how you’ve inspired me to start this new career. Amazed me how you kinda represent the company for them on low. Keep up the great work!

Welcome back. From a 4 wheeler point of view you did really good. You have patience and you believe in yourself. You have come such a long way. Please stay safe.

I use to carry a magnet flashing light to stick on the edge of the dock when backing into dark holes then you can see it

Hey man the amount of patience you and the other driver show is just astounding

Dave never slide your tandems until you're ready to bump into the dock. Yes some places make you before you pass security but it will make your life easier if you follow that rule.

You did good, nice to see a driver get out and look. I've seen several crashes because of drivers being lazy

Old school tip: if you have a flashlight you can set on either the dock floor or by the dock plate ,you can aim for the light and it will help guide you down the dock. Also have your markers on. All this has helped me out in the past.

“A lot of you send me messages all the time. ‘Dave, what’s your name?’” 😂

Now that's how you make a come back after the opps ...You go Dave 💪💪

Good job on ur first time..I wouldn't like it either..cant see ..backing blind lol...love ur vids..txs..good day..like to hear ur chatting..always talk and so true on seeing and learning everything..keep up the good work...ur funny on side comments..

If your camera links to your phone, put the turn cam on the rear of the trailer pointing toward the dock. You can watch it in the cab.

Hey Dave pro tip put a flash light on the side and point it at your trailer so you can judge the distance better :)

I'm a college student going to school for computer science and a minor in business but I find trucking and trucking videos very interesting. Love the channel Dave, keep up the good work!

They should have lines outside that show exactly where your wheels should be

You'll get it within a couple more years. And be able to hit that dock on the first try. I have confidence in ya!

You'd think with backup cameras being almost on all new cars these days they'd have them for semis just for times like this.

Could'nt help noticing that the yard tractor was using the "easy" outside bay, which left the black holes for others to use. By the way Dave, you turn the wheel too far to left, or right, each time you correct, take it slowly and wait for trailer to react then follow it.(Linda's husband speaking). Retired after 45 years "on the road", but you did well to get your truck in there. It aint easy.

Here's a tip... get one of those 3 or 4 dollar battery operated camp lights that you can put on the dock and then back your trailer just to the inside of the light ...you'll be able to see it from the cab. Make sure the light is lined up with the left line and then straight back it in. just remember that if you lose sight of the light you're over too far. We've all been there and we all had to learn.

I think I jumped as much as Dave when he hit the dock...hahahhahaha

Just a little tip - I always aim for the tracks from all the previous trucks. I find that if I put my trailer tires right in the tracks from previous trucks and am going back even on both sides, I'm almost always good to go.

“I Love my Wife” T-shirt, what a beautiful gift from the wife.

Good job Dave! Keep up the positive attitude its refreshing!

Line up just outside of the dark hole into the dock. Secure the truck. Take two (2) flashlights and place them on the L & R corners of the dock plate. Now you have a pair of LIT MARKERS to back up to. EZ-PZ!!! OLD SCHOOL!!!!

That’s absolutely crazy. Oh and by the way I find your voice very soothingTo listen to I just wanted to say that

Ya done Good Dave !!! Proud of Ya !!! Rookie No More !!!

Black holes are hard. You're no rookie. As long as you don't hit crap and destroy crap, you're good. As long as it takes is all that matters. I used to do driveaway or piggybacks for Auto Truck Transport USA. Manuvering 120 feet of 3 sleepers on SFES Booms is a workout. East coast had to have trooper escorts as well as escort pilots to maneuver overlenth piggybacks up their. Hell of a workout undecking those suckers. Union company sure as hell pays good money for all that stress. Like maneuvering a train litterly. Keep it up Dave. You're a professional and doing great

Well. You. Got. Back. In there. Good job.

Im sorry, but that is one of the easiest docks. I've pulled into many docks like this with a flat bed an only been found this for 2 months. Love every bit of it.

For a black hole like that you gotta goal to see what it looks like back there. Glad he did that.

Dave! I love your videos!!! I watch them while I’m preparing tax returns. Sometimes I get really frustrated with a return (or client) and your videos get me through it. I’m a tax cpa and will never drive a truck... but I love this stuff anyway! Please keep them coming!!!!!!!

I’m so glad you did a full video on trying multiple times. Showing that it’s not always easy. Thank you!

One thing that helps in these tight dock door openings is leaving your tandems forward until you're lined up. When I have that "piece of cake" feeling (usually about halfway in) is the point I slide the tandems back.

That’s why when I’m at home I buy glow sticks from the local dollar general store you can break 3-4 of them make yourself a line inside the building to guide you in learned trick from another driver

"He works smarter not harder. You know what I mean? And I work harder not smarter...so." - Riding with Dave Words of a great poet. Brilliant!

I enjoy your videos Dave , and thanks for not wearing damn flip flops !!

Receivers see this all day every day every place is different. Yes as years go by your backing gets better Now a tip from a 30 veteran I been over the road, local, and a switcher When you get to a place that wants tandem slid to the rear but sorta tight place go ahead get back in then before you completely back to dock slide your tandems then ease to the dock

“Wsp guy it’s Dave back again wit another trucking vlog “ we need that lol 🥺

This is where cones, bright yellow lines & over head spot lights come into play & would make life easier.

I feel like shipping and receiving plants do their best to make truckers life's that much more difficult

Dave, you drive like a veteran that's been driving for 30 years. No rookie would or could do that.

Try laying a flashlight on the ground where you want your tandems when your in a black hole works good!

19:37 SHEEEEEEESH DAVE FINNA MAKE ME ACT UP 🥵🥵🥵

Dave , can you show us when you pull up to a truck stop to either sleep , take a shower , get snacks , get gas , etc. you used to do that on the old vids , plus it will make the video 1x longer

Good job Dave. You handled that shit like a BEAST!!!!

Not a rookie anymore! .....and this is coming from a 30 year veteran of the road that just retired..cheers to you! 👍

If I can I always wait till I'm lined up with the dock door BEFORE sliding my tandems. Some places don't let you do this, but I always find it easier to back up with tandems all the way forward. Edit.....Also when backing into a black hole like this leave your lights ON. So much easier to see what you're doing.

Who designs a dock with such little room to wiggle. This is just a show of how hard trucking can be but damn Dave you did amazing. Thanks again for the video Dave.

Slide your tandems all the way to the rear when you are set at the door..that's what I do..

13min... vrs damage the trailer/door/ dock... you picked the right path For us, what we do, we have one dock almost like that, its inside, and a finger dock, but also when your lined up, the pillar as infront of the truck, so your having to hook it twice while reversing; key thing for us, is first reverse up to the door straight on, dont go in, maybe leave a 1 to 2 foot in front, and have a look at, ok, thats where you are when your lined up perfect to the door, now where is the dock, and how much of a kick do you need. From there you can either go forward and correct yourself outside (as you had done, because you stick out the door); or if you know your whole truck goes inside and theres space for the door to close etc... then you can do your kick as you make your way in (like we do with one of our smaller depots) Well done mate.

There is a Toggle switch and it green and have a truck and it kinda cockeyed or tilted and it has a slash through it thats the hill assist button if u push it up or down a display will come up on the dash hill assist off then u can feather the throttle as if was a manual.

I saw a cfi truck in person Thursday and today! It’s so different to see the truck in person

You would think companies would try and make it easier and smoother for truckers accessing their docks

Closest I can get to this is backing my measly 35ft 5th wheel trailer into my storage area which is enclosed. Great job man. The more I watch your vids the more I want to do this. Keep the videos coming bro and stay safe.

Me personally, I never slid the tandems until I was line up perfectly with the hole or the dock.

GOAL & place a flashlight at the bumper dock for a guide. That’s trucking

I usually line up with the dock and then slide my tandems back.., just a suggestion!!

Here's what I do, hope it helps you. I put a flashlight on the ground inside.

Best place to slide tandems is when you are backing into the dock. Nice and straight!!

I always found it easier to slide the tandems after getting lined up and partially backed into the dock.

Those darn inside docks are brutal ! The worse are when you back up a flatbed in one of those inside pit, you have just about 6 inches of loose on either side in the pit, they're horrible

Hey dave what i do backing into a building is put my flashlight on the ground about 5ft from the dock wall and to the driver side about a foot it will illuminate the wall to which you gotta bump ..

You did a fine job dont worry about how long it took hell I've been doing this 22 yrs and I still to this day hate those covered docks

Great vlog, Dave 👍 my daughter Abagail received her RWD shirt today and she Loves it😁

I've had a few of those docks and it kind of shows you they think of the truckers last. There is no reason why that area could not have been lit up. Some guys have no problems with it but as Dave did.. many pull ups and G.O.A.L.

Don’t Fock up Dave! We are watching!

point ‘er toward the door and put the pedal to the floor! 😆 i enjoy your videos, they bring back memories

I drive for UPS in Elk Grove Village, IL. A lot of black hole docks there. Some places have LED lights inside on both sides of the dock plate to help line up. It’s real nice of them to do that

One other thing when you have to back inside make sure you clean your mirrors really good even if they seem ok while you are outside because any dirt or smudges will make it harder to see as the light changes from outside to inside.

Practice becomes perfect 👌

I hate to say it Dave but the mirrors fold in, I was told that but didn't believe it then someone showed me

Trick to sliding tandems is always to back up first before moving forward sliding them. From driving, the pins will naturally be pinched from driving forward. Always push back first before moving forward to slide.

I sure wish you could mount a downward looking backup camera on top of the trailer, with a wireless connection to a screen inside the truck. That would be very useful in such places where you cannot see much of anything inside, and also in dark places outside. Cameras can be very good at catching things we cannot see in the dark.

Hey man, quick tip for like all docks.... don't slide your tandems until you're straight lined up with your door. If anything, put them all the way forward to do the back and THEN put them to the rear.

If i was driving for a living i would have a wireless cam on rear....you could rig up a setup for $200 or less...yea it would take a few minutes changing between trailers and trucks....but literally could save someones life or at least help you keep your drving record clean...and make your job easier and safer...and decrease liability....its mandated on cars now...you would think it would have been mandated on long trailers first....

I had to do this a few time. The sun is so bright and inside the dock is so dark your basically blind. You have to constantly get out and look. They should really light up inside those docks more or totally redo them.

@Riding with Dave :The reason that you pull your tandems all the way to the back when you’re backing into a dock is because it raises the rear of your trailer up so that you’re even with the floor of the dock so the forklift can more easily unload and load your truck.

Dave, It happened!! My going to orientation next Friday, leaving Sunday for training with a ET! Wish me luck!!😃😆🤟👍

That guy next to you has a great attitude. Seemed happy regardless of his attempts. That dock is definitely strange though.

I've delivered to 2 places like this where you cant see what you're backing into. It's an uneasy feeling. Jus gotta take your time like you did.

Wow! Been there done that so many times! Believe me, you get to where these are pretty easy……after about 1000 of them!

I saw a CFI truck in Atlanta Georgia for the first time in real life. I thought it might have been you for a second 😂

Dave!! No premiere this time! Bummer! Your probably actually working! 😃

If you carry a magnetic flashlight in your truck you can stick it underneath the trailer near the back and it will illuminate the floor so you can see how the trailer is walking into the hole

Greetings from the Ohio Porters.🇺🇸 Good job backing it in. Those dark docks really throw you off when backing in. Talking about a BLIND SPOT! It always pays to get out and check your area. You made a good point...Should’ve waited to slide your tandems and even doors until you were lined up better, but you got it in there! Whew! 😳

I love your videos man it makes my day to come home and see an upload waiting after a long day at work. Keep up the great work man!!!!

Just curious why they haven't implemented rear cameras to assist in backing, to expensive?

I love the outside view, Also you gave me the push I needed to finally register to learn to become a truck driver, I was always interrested but didn't have the guts. Thank you ;)

I just got my class a last week. And boy I've got more respect for truckers now. With my work I'm lucky, and I've done this before. If I can't get my trailers over I'll grab the end of my trailer with a chain and jib and move it over. You guys don't have that luxury.

Man i have one of those types of setups i gotta back into in PA. Gotta say as a new drive, it was not easy, black hole dock is so accurate.

A helpful tip from a fellow rookie, Wait till you get in door in places like this till you slide your tandems