When it comes to truck driving, there are several things you need to stay comfortable and be prepared for potential issues. Today, we will provide a complete list for you!
13 Must-Haves for Truckers
- Permits and credentials. You simply can’t go on the road without proper trucking documentation. Including your CDL driving license for business, transportation worker credentials, accreditation, vehicle logs for state permits, and proof of insurance.
- First aid kit. As you can imagine, it’s very important to have a first aid kit. Make sure to inspect it before each trip to make sure it has all the necessary items.
- Flip flops. If you’re going on a long-distance drive you’ll likely shower at truck stops. Never forget your flip-flops to avoid fungal and bacterial infections
- Hygiene essentials. Though there are truck stops and rest spaces on the road, they won’t have all you need. So, bring toilet paper, towels, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and any other essentials you may need.
- Gloves. When you’re driving through cold places, you’ll be grateful to have a pair of gloves to keep your hands warm and protected.
- Change of clothes. You need clean clothes when you’re going on long-distance trips but also on short-distance ones. You never know when you’ll need a change of clothes!
- High-visibility vest or jacket. This is essential! If you ever need to exit the truck to check the cargo, your tires, or anything else, you need to put a high-visibility vest or jacket on to avoid accidents.
- Flashlight. Though your phone has one, having a good old flashlight can be of great help. It offers more brightness so you can see better if you ever need to check anything in the cargo or truck, especially at night.
- Tire pressure gauge. You need to be able to check your tire pressure before heading out to make sure they’re inflated to the appropriate pressure for the specific weather and road conditions of the trip.
- Cooking supplies. Portable cooking supplies will help you avoid excess fast food and unhealthy foods while on the road. So, consider getting a camping stove and fuel, matches, portable pans, utensils, etc.
- Non-perishable foods. There are many delicious meals you can make on the road with non-perishable foods. It will be more nutritious than fast food and it will save you money in the long run.
- Extra water. This may seem obvious, but it’s worth keeping in mind. Bring more water than you think you’ll need so you don’t have to depend on stops to keep yourself properly hydrated.
- Entertainment. Before you go on your trip, you can download movies on your favorite streaming services, download audiobooks, podcasts, or music, or even bring a book or e-reader to keep yourself entertained on the road and during your rest stops.
There you have it! Those are the 13 essentials every truck driver should bring on trips to stay comfortable and safe on the road.