Truck drivers are pros, though, while we're just annoying traffic jam fodder.

They can't see what they can't see. Being a pro makes no difference.

Reminds me of the 18 wheeler at the traffic light. He got red while waiting for his left turn and decided to back up instead of "going for it" once oncoming traffic had seized.

The minivan behind him got crushed like it was made of sticks. Luckily he heard the noise after a while and stopped backing up. Not a pretty sight. I had the side view so I was like "WTF is he doing?" when he started backing up. Well he couldn't the minivan who had snuck up behind him.

Lesson: when behind a truck make sure you can see the drivers face through his mirrors. Then you have a chance that he is going to see you. If you can't see his face, assume that he can't see you. Move away.

On the highway, sure. But generally whenever I see a truck back up in the city, there will be someone outside directing the driver.

You don't see lots of truck parking in parallel unassisted on streets with pedestrians and cyclists, but I do this all the time.

Hmm? They specifically taught me in driving school how to parallel park using just the side mirrors.