If you’re a new driver, you might not know the types of things you’ll need out on the road. Even if you’re an experienced driver, it’s easy to forget the essentials and then find yourself paying premium prices at a truck stop on the highway. Before you get on the road, make sure you’ve got everything you need close at hand. Use our checklist to keep yourself organized.
Personal Items
The greasy, grimy feeling of being on the road for hours at a time can be washed out at most truck stops. Make sure you have what you need.
- Soap
- Clorox wipes or disinfectant spray for gross bathrooms
- Flip flops or beach shoes for the shower
- Shaving kit – Make your own or buy a pre-made one at most stores
- Towel and washcloth – this may be available at certain places but there’s no guarantee. This way you get to use what you like.
For a Good Night’s Sleep
Depending on the type of truck you use or where you end up at night, your sleeping situation may not be very comfortable. Keep a few things handy to help you get a good night’s sleep.
- A warm blanket
- A comfortable pillow
- Small white noise machine or a white noise app on your smartphone
- Sleeping mask to block out the light
- Ear plugs to block out noise – you may need this if you’re a light sleeper
To Stay Healthy
Sitting in a truck all day isn’t always conducive to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Commercial drivers face all kinds of chronic problems like back pain, muscle strains, high blood pressure, and more. Keep a few things on hand to help you stay healthy.
- Healthy snacks
- Bottled water – try to avoid soda
- A 12 volt cooler to hold your snacks
- A pair of sneakers to walk or jog in
- Resistance bands or other portable workout equipment
Stay Connected, Entertained, and Informed
In this day and age, you can keep up with family, friends, and the whole world with the touch of a screen or button. Don’t forget these essentials so you can stay connected from anywhere on the road.
- Your phone, tablet, e-reader, and/or laptop with their chargers
- Air card or other portable internet device. Alternatively, you may be able to simply “tether” your cell phone if you have a compatible data plan
Get the Job Done
You probably won’t need an entire toolbox while on the road, but certain things always come in handy, no matter what’s going on.
- Gloves
- Duct tape
- Electrical tape
- Screwdrivers
- A set of wrenches
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Camera, video, or voice recorder – in case your phone dies, and you need to record an accident or other problem
Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? Keeping these necessities on hand will save you money and headaches when you’re out on the open road.
