In your first few weeks on the job as a semi-truck driver, you’ll learn loads of new things — from important job-related tasks to silly personal preferences, such as your favorite gas station beverages. When it comes to the items you pack and take with you on your daily drives, you’ll likely fine-tune your list over the years. But to help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of truck driver essentials. Some are very practical, while others are simply handy to have in a pinch. Scan the list, decide whether our must-haves are also your must-haves, and pack your bag with confidence.
A Packing List for Truck Drivers
This is going to get a little long so let’s split it into a few basic categories: legal and job-related essentials, handy essentials, hygiene essentials, and entertainment essentials.
Legal and Job-Related Essentials
- Your trucking permit and credentials. These are true, non-negotiable truck driver essentials. Always carry these items with you when you’re on the job, as you’ll need them if you’re checking in at a weigh station or stopped by the police.
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Proof of insurance
- Vehicle registration
- State permits
- Physical/medical examiner’s certificate
- TWIC card
- Any special certifications
- Logbook or electronic logging device (ELD)
Handy Essentials
- Gloves. Even if you only drive in warmer states, good work gloves will likely come in handy. They’re essential in cold weather, and they can protect your home from injury.
- High-visibility jacket/vest. If you ever need to step out of your vehicle, especially at night, a fluorescent jacket or vest will ensure that other drivers can see you.
- Flashlight. You’ll be incredibly thankful you have it when you confront a nighttime emergency. Be sure to pack some extra batteries as well!
- Tire pressure gauge. It’s important to keep your tires at the right pressure for the road conditions and weather, as under-inflated or over-inflated tires can affect your truck’s handling. Tire pressure monitoring can also reduce your fuel use over long distances. Use a tire pressure gauge to check your tires regularly.
- First aid kit. It never hurts to have a first aid kit on hand! It should contain bandages, compresses, gauze pads, tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, painkillers, cold/flu medicine, allergy medicine, and any other items you think you might need.
- Emergency kit. You have a first-aid kit to care for yourself, but what about your truck? Just in case, keep an emergency kit on hand that includes duct tape, jumper cables, a tarp, a wrench, fuses, and pliers. You might want to include a multi-utility tool or small tool kit as well.
- Road cones and reflective triangles. Whether you or someone you spot on the road needs help, road cones and reflective triangles can help warn other drivers to stay back.
- Extra water and non-perishable foods. Bottled water should always be a part of your supply. Keep some basic non-perishable foods on hand as well, and remember to replenish your stash after you consume any of the emergency stock.
- Cooler. To keep your drinks fresh and cold!
- Rain gear and waterproof boots. Rain is inevitable, so prepare for it! And whether you’re traveling in rain, snow, or ice, you’ll appreciate a pair of comfy boots.
- Cleaning supplies. Dirt, dust, and debris can collect quickly on the road, so cleaning supplies will definitely come in handy. Common picks include a multi-purpose cleaning solution, microfiber cloths, a hand broom and dustpan, Clorox wipes, dish soap, a portable vacuum, and trash bags. You might wish to pick up an air freshener as well!
- Bluetooth headset. You can use it to make hands-free phone calls or to listen to music or podcasts.
- GPS. Whatever happens, make sure you get where you need to go.
- Sleeping accessories. These might include a sleeping bag, pillows, and blankets.
- Portable cooking appliances. When you get tired of eating snacks from the gas station and restaurant food, you’ll be glad you packed some cooking appliances. Electric coffee makers, electric skillets, and slow cookers are popular choices.
- Sunglasses. Protect your eyes, and ensure the sun doesn’t hinder your driving abilities.
Hygiene Essentials
- Flip-flops to use in the shower. True truck driver essentials! If you’re going to be using truck-stop showers, these are essential to protect your feet from potential diseases. Be sure to disinfect them regularly.
- Personal hygiene products. At the very least, this pack should include deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, and soap. In addition, in case of emergency, bring along some toilet paper and disinfectant wipes.
- Clean clothes. For long-distance jobs, pack as many clothes as you’ll need to have a fresh pair daily. Don’t forget about socks and underwear, and consider bringing along some extra clothes in case an unforeseen event occurs. You never know when you’ll spill coffee down your shirt or step into a muddy puddle!
- Laundry bag. This could be an actual hamper or a simple trash bag.
- Baby wipes. They’ll come in handy more often than you’d think!
Entertainment Essentials
- Cell phone charger. Your phone is your lifeline when you’re on the road, so be sure to pack a reliable charger.
- e-Reader. When you’re hanging out in the evening, you can use an e-reader to read books, magazines, newspapers, and more.
- Laptop or tablet. Stay entertained for hours watching your favorite movies and TV shows! You can also video chat with friends and family, check emails, and much more.
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One of the best ways to learn about truck driver essentials is to talk to your fellow drivers. Who knows, years from now, you might meet an up-and-coming driver who asks you for advice!
If you want to become a truck driver, contact BLC Transportation today. We have opportunities for both company drivers and lease-purchase drivers. With our lease-purchase program, you can make 90 percent of the line haul while driving new trucks that provide comfort, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Plus, we offer bonuses and incentives, a health insurance subsidy, a friendly passenger/pet policy, assistance with registering for an LLC, and more. Join our team today!