Every truck driver has those moments that stick with them, the ones that make the long days and tough roads worth it. We recently asked our community: What’s more satisfying, beating traffic or nailing a tough backing maneuver? The responses showed just how much pride drivers take in their skills and day-to-day wins.
The Case for Backing Mastery
A large number of drivers pointed to backing as the clear winner. Agustin Martinez, Sharon Cunningham, Thomas John Green, Charles Kenworthy, Charity Edelmaier, Angela Agnew, Kevin Blessing, and John Homblette all agreed that nothing feels better than hitting that perfect back.
Don Clarke and Hubert Fatcat both gave special mention to the toughest of them all — the “blind side” back. Hubert explained it best: “A tough backing, I do love it when I hit it perfect…no pull ups… just right.”
Some drivers highlighted how much satisfaction comes from pulling off a difficult maneuver when the pressure is on. There’s a unique pride in getting it right on the first try, especially when others are watching.
Matthew Kent made a strong point, saying, “Nailing a backing maneuver. Traffic sucks, but beating it is usually luck more than skill.” Jason Wagor echoed that thought, adding, “Nailing a tough backup for sure is more satisfying. It doesn’t take talent to beat traffic. It just takes proper pre-trip planning. A rookie can leave on time and beat traffic, but that same rookie can’t dock in a big metro city.”
And sometimes, even the best maneuvers come with a laugh. Priscilla Arthur admitted: “Nailing a perfect back only to find out you forgot to open the trailer door first.”
The Wins in Beating Traffic
That’s not to say beating traffic doesn’t have its fans. Vince Taylor, Jdub Washington, and Jay Hamrz all sided with traffic as the bigger win. Will Lavander said he enjoys both but leans toward the feeling of getting past the jams.
Christian Yvon Mathieu described it in his own way: “Waking up early, taking my time, and not rushing…. It’s the best feeling ever, mostly because it only happens twice a week. But that’s how you win the rush hour traffic game.”
Others kept it short and sweet. Joe Wood put it simply: “The latter.”
Somewhere in the Middle
For some drivers, it wasn’t about choosing one or the other. Scott Kribs summed it up in one word: “Both.” And really, why not? Every driver knows the small victories on the road come in all shapes and forms.
Beyond the Question
A few responses stood out for reminding us that the most satisfying moments aren’t always about traffic or backing. Mark Harper shared the joy of “Getting a door early or even at your appointment time…..scales closed …..” Robert Kiesznowski found it while pulling into his own driveway. And Robert Farina kept it real with: “Shutting the truck off and going home for three days.”
These answers show just how diverse the daily wins are in trucking. Whether it’s conquering a blindside back, slipping past gridlock, or simply getting home, each victory is part of what keeps drivers motivated on the road.
