Which Are the Main Truck Driver Essentials to Take for Your Next Haul?
Being a new trucker can sure be overwhelming, especially if you’re about to take your first trip. That’s why we’ll go over the main truck driver essentials you should bring for your long hauls.
From personal need items to roadside assistance items, each of the things we’ll mention will provide you with the necessities you’ll require on the road.
6 Truck Driver Essentials You’ll Need for Your Ride
Being a trucker virtually means that you’ll spend most of your time inside a truck. In fact, it usually means that you’ll be 11 hours on the road daily.
For this reason, you should rely on the right tools and equipment for your trip. After all, you’ll want to have everything at hand to avoid any unnecessary truck stops that’ll just delay your trip.
Here are six truck driver essentials you need to bring for your trip:
- Cleaning supplies to keep the cab clean
- Hygiene products and shower flip-flops
- An emergency kit, gloves, and flashlight
- Your cell phone and a dash-mounted holder
- A sleeping bag and pillow
- Cooking appliances to avoid fast food
Cleaning Supplies to Keep the Cab Clean
First and foremost, you’ll want to count on the right cleaning supplies for the trip.
With the COVID-19 pandemic still hitting hard in the US territory, it’s vital to keep everything disinfected and sanitized, making your truck’s cab no exception.
Be sure to bring the following:
- A hand broom and dustpan
- Handheld small vacuum
- Cleaning wipes
- Laundry bag and detergent
- Cleaning wipes and all-purpose cleaners
- Dashboard conditioners
- Trash bags
Moreover, be sure to avoid any bleach-containing products, such as wipes, sprays, and especially the concentrated solution. The reason behind this is that bleach is often too harsh for most surfaces. Not only that, but it can also become a safety hazard if your cab isn’t well ventilated.
As a substitute, you can choose other products such as Ethanol or Lysol disinfecting wipes. Both of these items will provide you with the same results as with bleach wipes.
Moreover, you can use some items mentioned above to clean any public high-touch surfaces.
Hygiene Products and Shower Flip-Flops
Of course, if you’re going to spend most of your time in your hauls, you must have basic hygiene products. You’ll want to make sure that you bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, body wipes, and even toilet paper. You’d be surprised at how a toilet paper roll can help you in desperate situations.
Along with these items, you will also need to bring with you a pair of shower flip-flops. They will surely save you from the common fungal infections truckers get at the truck stop showers.
Lastly, remember to pack on some clothes. A good rule of thumb is to divide the clothes you’ll pack into two categories: trucking and off-duty clothes.
Your trucking clothes will consist of your standard trucking attire, which is the bottom-up shirt, t-shirt, and jeans. You can also opt for shorts or jogging pants if you’re not too fond of jeans. Moreover, be sure to pack a jacket and raincoats as well.
On the other hand, your off-duty clothes are the ones you’ll wear in your free time. Be sure to pick season-appropriate clothing when choosing these clothes.
Here’s a list of other hygiene items you’ll want to take with you:
- Grooming tools
- Mouthwash
- Dental floss
- Cologne
- Extra masks
An Emergency Kit, Gloves, and Flashlight
No matter what kind of semi-truck you’re driving, roadside assistance kits are a must. That’s why you need to count on a kit with the following items:
- Hazard warning signs
- Tool kits with pliers, wrenches, and fuses
- Breaker bars
- Snow chains
- Tire pumps
Relying on this safety emergency kit will help you stay ready for any type of emergencies.
Make sure to also bring with your gloves and a flashlight. Both of these items will be very useful to you for your routine maintenance, such as truck inspections.
Your Cell Phone and a Dash-Mounted Holder
Nowadays, a cell phone is indispensable for truck drivers.
Just think about it:
It’s a useful tool that provides you with the means of communication between you and your company. Not only that, but it can also assist you with GPS services as well.
However, counting on a cellphone for your haul means that you’ll need to keep certain things in mind.
For instance, be sure to count on an excellent service on the road in case of emergencies, such as roadside assistance services. AT&T and T-Mobile are great options you should consider.
Moreover, you should beware that truckers must not use hand-held and push-to-talk phones while driving. In case you don’t abide by this protocol, you’re running the risk of receiving fines and even being disqualified from operating a motor vehicle.
For this reason, truckers must have hands-free devices. One of these devices you should definitely get for your haul is a dash-mounted holder. With this item and a Bluetooth set for your phone, you’ll be able to avoid any type of ticket.
A Sleeping Bag and Pillow
Getting the right amount of sleep, as well as the optimum sleep quality, is a need if you’re going to take a long trip. That’s why you must also pack in a sleeping bag and a pillow. That way, you’ll be able to sleep comfortably in your rig.
Additionally, if your semi-truck doesn’t count on a sleeping cabin, then you can bring a set of bedsheets instead of a sleeping bag.
Cooking Appliances to Avoid Fast Food
Lastly, you must be sure to bring with you portable cooking appliances and utensils for your trip. Although it might be tempting just to get fast food on the road, it’s best to avoid this option because it can turn out very expensive. Also, it can take a toll on your health.
That’s why you should get yourself a couple of cooking appliances, such as a small electric skillet or a slow cooker.
Along with these appliances, pack some healthy snacks as well. Some great nonperishable snacks for your trip include peanut butter, baked goods, meat jerky, and fruits like apples and bananas.
Finally, be sure to bring with you tons of water instead of soda. Not only is it a healthier option, but you can also use water for your cooking and cleaning.
Now that you know the main trucker driver essentials you should take on the road, be sure to pack them up for your next long haul!
Whenever you’re in need of roadside assistance, or you got yourself any doubts, don’t hesitate to contact our team! We’ll be more than glad to help you out!