Packing List

Before you all think, man this question has been asked. Give me a chance to explain why I am asking. There was an excellent article written about what I should pack to trucking school, but I have not seen one on here for orientation and training. I will be in 1 week of orientation and 8 weeks of training with 4 days of home time in between. I received a very basic packing list from my company that includes: paperwork, types of clothes, and Motorcarrier's Atlas, but it doesn't really cover too much besides that. What is the best type or size of duffle do I want to bring. Here is my tentative list:

Paperwork (ss card, birth certificate, med card, cdl , clipboard, ruler, pens etc) I have a grey metal clipboard that opens at top that can hold paperwork

1 weeks worth of clothes (pants, shorts, socks, underware, etc.) Leatherman on my belt. Seasonal Clothes (jacket, gloves, etc.) Tennis shoes Steel Toed boots Shower Shoes 2 Towels (on company list) Toiletries Laundry bag, soap and dryer sheets My cell phone and cell phone charger Motorcarriers Atlas Meds Basic food items (granola bars, cans of beanie weenies, etc.) Thermos cup for coffee Leather work gloves.

Is there anything I am leaving off or any food recommendations that don't require a microwave or fridge as company don't allow them? Any help would be appreciated.

I can't give nearly as much advice as the experienced guys as I'm in the same boat as you (start next week) but your list looks fine to me. I would consider a book or magazines or things to occupy your brain during the down time. After a long day of driving you may be exhausted but not be able to sleep. Some music or some reading may be beneficial to help your brain decompress.

As far as food I would consider nuts, granola bars, pop tarts, chips, crackers, peanut butter, fruit snacks, little debbies, jerkey... One thing to remember is that if its salty it will make you thirsty. Also, I really like peanuts and pistachios. Li won't take them in my trainers teuck though because they are a mess if you have to crack them open. Stick with the ones that have the shells removed.

As far as size make it as small as possible.

Inma girl so you already know my list was massive, my suitcase weighed 70lbs! Lol (not recommended but im short and slept with it) you will need twin sheets and a pillow for your bed. That usually is not provided by your trainer and a small blanket to keep you warm. Id suggest a bed in a bag will make it easier to carry. Also a hoodie. Most places ate warmer now. Jeans and ss shirts will suffice but a hoodie will be needed at night in certain place. Id pack light on the food end. You will probably eat out most times cause you will be to tired to do anything but sleep when your not driving but britton suggested good snacks. Stay away from that salty ramon noodles they are so bad for you. Other than that you seem to have the just. Id also suggest a pocket truck stop guide to go with your atlas.

Instead of the bedding, I'm thinking about just packing a sleeping bag and my pillow. Will this be ok?

Hey guys, this is just my two cents on bedding. I think it's best while with your trainer that you just bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Here's why: you will probably be sleeping at times while your trainer is driving. You more than likely will not be able to use the top bunk at those times, and since your trainer may not appreciate you sleeping on his sheets you will simply lay your sleeping bag on top of his bedding and climb in for some much needed rest. Training can be grueling, with all the adrenaline you've got going and the crazy schedules that your body isn't accustomed to yet, you will need to get your rest when you can. By just having that sleeping bag it makes it much easier to transition from one bunk to the other when necessary.

Instead of the bedding, I'm thinking about just packing a sleeping bag and my pillow. Will this be ok?

Yes, most drivers have sleeping bags for the simple fact its just easier. Unroll it climb in. No making up the bed or anything.

Hey guys, this is just my two cents on bedding. I think it's best while with your trainer that you just bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Here's why: you will probably be sleeping at times while your trainer is driving. You more than likely will not be able to use the top bunk at those times, and since your trainer may not appreciate you sleeping on his sheets you will simply lay your sleeping bag on top of his bedding and climb in for some much needed rest. Training can be grueling, with all the adrenaline you've got going and the crazy schedules that your body isn't accustomed to yet, you will need to get your rest when you can. By just having that sleeping bag it makes it much easier to transition from one bunk to the other when necessary.

Advice I will take, immediately. I am getting stuff together to pack for the weekend when I leave for training, and I have neither a sleeping bag or twin sheets. I was about to go with the sheets but this makes more sense. Thanks.

I was just going to post a question about some of this so I will just tag a long on this post. I read all of whats needed except for the size of the duffle bag. I have been looking at some online, some have wheels some dont they range in size. What would be sufficient? would it be 36" 40" 50" etc? can it have wheels and a handle?

Thanks, Kevin

I was just going to post a question about some of this so I will just tag a long on this post. I read all of whats needed except for the size of the duffle bag. I have been looking at some online, some have wheels some dont they range in size. What would be sufficient? would it be 36" 40" 50" etc? can it have wheels and a handle?

Thanks, Kevin

fyi, the 50" is HUGE .... might consider something smaller. I could easily pack my 16 y.o. daughter in the 50"

fyi, the 50" is HUGE .... might consider something smaller. I could easily pack my 16 y.o. daughter in the 50"

I literally laughed out loud!