Well done for having the nerve to ask on here, the best advice I was ever given was to use all the space available to you if its not straight pull as far forward as you require to have a straight reverse then come back with tiny steering input. Head out the window is far better than open door. Gary
I’m not sure if I can explain this properly, but here goes. If the mirror arms are too long, that is if the mirror is too far away from the cab, you get that optical illusion of the trailer being straight when it’s not. It can happen on rigids too. On a modern truck, I suppose you’ve got no choice about the arms length, but with the old ‘west coaster’ type mirrors there was plenty of adjustment. Well I know what I mean.
martinviking:
Vikings ‘Tip’ of the day.Always check that they can get the ramp onto the trailer (ie- centred, some bays can be just the right size with not a lot of adjustment, & as level as possible using the suspension) before you walk the 5 miles (exaggeration
) from bay 159 to the traffic office.
I did just that, the other day & it looked ok, even pulled forwards 2 inches & when I handed my keys in, one of the buffers was just stopping the ramp from lifting
& make sure you are on the right bay ! Like when I was supposed to be on Bay 65 but I was on Bay 64 at a Tesco’s (wasn’t thinking
) they even made me move it across one bay
Not just me then
To the OP, Usersteve as others have said the mirrors give you a false pespective, cant beat direct eyes on, stick your head out the window. and aslong as the ramp goes on and no one else is blocked, well it dont really matter. Personal pride looks a bit silly after 10 shunts, the guys on the ramp might just want to get you tipped, though when you’ve got it bang on in one, then dont forget thats when you’re a driving God, the rest of the time join the rest of us Mortals 
Mind you £25 for the suzie is a bit rough, as was your only damage. 
Its a pleasure to have read a positive post about this industry,there’s to many whingers. 
Thanks for taking the time out to explain different methods, I’ve been putting some of the suggested into practice and feel alot happier now.
As I said it wasn’t a huge issue I just seen it as one of my flaws and something that would of bugged away at me.
If I’m pushed for time it’s on the bay and I’m away square or not but if I’ve got plenty of time in the day im not holding anyone up or getting in the way I do like to have a little practice . Meaning not going in for that simple reverse by the book so to speak but starting myself of from varied angles from straight to jacking it in. This has got me plenty of strange looks from other drivers but like I said I stopped caring what the sniggering know alls think a while back. This really has helped me alot to learn the trailers reactions loaded//unloaded different surfaces wet dry , the list goes on ad you know. Working mainly night’s gives me plenty of quiet opportunities in rdc’s to do this as I don’t like doing it ina MSA disturbing other drivers for no real reason.
Where I’m at we share units, down side is the cab rats leaving a mess behind but a plus is learning how say a scania reacts different to the merc etc just broadens the knowledge I guess.
Regarding the Suzie lead I thought it was a bit harsh charging me for probably an already worn lead (wires detracted from plug) and given they knew my 0 artic experience when I started with them and notso much as scratched a truck before or since but hay they gave me the start on the class 1 path and for that I’m loyal and grateful, small price to pay really.
New lead was brought to me within the hour with no moans tho, I fitted it and was back on my way. But I did tell them if it happens again and I’m charged for such a trivial everyday matter, their next invoice would have an installation charge added to it and ironically it’s 25 pounds 
Felt this was the best way of getting my unhappy point across without making a drama of it
Anyway il leave it there and thanks again for any advice given it truly has helped me along the way.
I hope any other new starters out there can also use this post to help them along the way
Sometimes going at an angle is easier. Have you ever tried to hit a pool/snooker ball in a straight line? It’s much easier with an angle on it.
To be honest mate, i am better at reversing into tight spaces, or so i thought. Sacia Pack in Hartlepool is a nightmare, the bay is about an inch wider then the trailer, took me ages to get it…Worst one for a long time. head out the window every time for me. Although i tend to oversteer a bit, but as others have said, as long as it goes on, doesnt cause others a problem and the loaders can get onto it to load/unload you don’t worry. Practice and it will come, just take ya time and don’t be too over fussy.
usersteve:
Where I’m at we share units, down side is the cab rats leaving a mess behind
Hey “Cab Rat” where I come from is someone who Eat Sleeps and sometimes washes, well really does live in the truck as a Tramper. Though you’d find my truck neat and tidy to your requirements.