When backing up a commercial vehicle, which direction should you initially turn the steering wheel?

When backing up a commercial vehicle, the proper technique is to turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go. This is crucial because the position of the trailer affects how the vehicle maneuvers during the backing process. By turning the wheel towards the intended direction of the trailer, you ensure that the trailer tracks correctly along the desired path.

For instance, if you want the rear of the trailer to move to the right, you turn the steering wheel to the right. Conversely, if you need the trailer to go left, then you turn the wheel to the left. This method helps in maintaining better control and reducing the risk of accidents or obstacle collisions as you reverse. Additionally, aligning the steering inputs with the desired direction aids in making tighter turns less awkward, especially in challenging environments like tight loading docks.