General Knowledge: Backing

10 questions in the bank cover this topic. Everything below is drawn from the sources those questions cite.

Sources: 49 CFR 392.9, TC 21-305-20 para 13-30, TC 21-305-20 para 13-31, TC 21-305-20 para 3-15, TC 21-305-20 para 3-22, TC 21-305-20 para 3-23

What you need to know

392.9(a)(3) requires that cargo not obscure the driver's view ahead or to the right or left sides.

Side visibility is exactly what a driver depends on when maneuvering, so a load that blocks it both breaches the rule and makes the maneuver unsafe. 392.9 requires it, and the side view is exactly what you rely on when maneuvering.

The commercial motor vehicle's cargo or any other object does not obscure the driver's view ahead or to the right or left sides

or prevent the free and ready exit of any person from the commercial motor vehicle's cab or driver's compartment.

49 CFR 392.9

For a straight truck the wheel goes the same way you want the back to go.

Note this is the OPPOSITE of backing a semitrailer, where you first steer away from the direction you want the trailer to travel.

To turn while backing, turn the steering wheel in the same direction as if you were moving forward. To back to the right, turn the wheel to the right. To back to the left, turn the wheel to the left, and back slowly.

TC 21-305-20 para 3-22

A walk-around, every time.

The manual's reasoning is that backing is more dangerous than going forward because visibility is limited and the vehicle is harder to control, and mirrors do not show everything behind you.

Backing is more dangerous than going forward. Visibility is limited and the vehicle is harder to control. Before backing even a short distance, make sure there are no people or objects behind the vehicle by physically walking around the area.

TC 21-305-20 para 3-23

A full stop first.

Shifting direction while still moving loads the driveline against the vehicle's momentum and is how transmissions get damaged.

Always come to a full stop before shifting into forward gear.

TC 21-305-20 para 3-22

Mirrors first, and the side window when mirrors are not enough.

Note the manual's separate warning never to open a door while the vehicle is in motion, so looking out of the window is not the same as opening the door. Low visibility calls for the same.

During backing when there are no ground guides available, the operator should use the vehicle mirrors and be accustomed to trusting the rearward view

In tight quarters or low visibility, the operator may have to look out the side window to safely move the vehicle into position

TC 21-305-20 para 3-23

Horn, reversed steering, ground guide.

The reversal is the part that catches drivers coming from straight trucks: the trailer pivots opposite to the way the cab is steered. The steering reversal is what catches drivers coming from straight trucks.

Sound horn before backing (if tactical situation permits). Back a semitrailer by reversing the direction that is used to back a truck. Always use ground guides to help backing operations.

TC 21-305-20 para 13-30

Right first to swing the trailer left, then left to bring the tractor into line.

This is backing sight side, where the turn is toward your own window so you can watch it.

Turn the steering wheel to the right until the trailer is headed in the desired direction. Then turn the tractor wheels to the left to put the tractor on the same line of travel as the semitrailer. This method is known as backing sight side

TC 21-305-20 para 13-31

Sight side, every time you have the choice.

Backing to your own side puts the trailer where you can see it through your window instead of guessing from a mirror.

This method is known as backing sight side (see Figure 13-5). Use this method whenever possible.

TC 21-305-20 para 13-31

Misunderstanding.

Over a running engine a shouted word is easily heard as its opposite, while an arm signal is either seen or not seen.

Voice signals between a ground guide and operator can be misunderstood. Therefore, they should not be used except in an emergency.

TC 21-305-20 para 3-15

Before anything moves.

Agreeing mid-maneuver means one of you are already guessing while the vehicle is in motion.

Operators and ground guides will coordinate signals before vehicle movement.

TC 21-305-20 para 3-15

Check yourself

• Why does your cargo placement matter when maneuvering and backing a CMV?

• Backing a straight truck, which way do you turn the wheel to send the rear to the right?

• What must you do before backing, even a short distance?

• How do you shift from reverse into a forward gear?

• How should you back in a tight space without a ground guide?

• What three things does the manual require when you back a semitrailer?

• How do you steer when backing a semitrailer to the left?

• Which backing method does the manual say to use whenever possible?

• Why does the manual prefer hand signals to voice between you and a ground guide?

• When should you and your ground guide agree on signals?

Answers are in the practice test for this topic.