Orientation Checklist - Advice Needed.

Hola Amigos in the forum. (Brett and Starcar would love to hear from you on this one).

I'm finishing school at Chattanooga State Community College. It's been a great 7 week CDL School.

I've decided I want to pull skateboards and after whittling my options, I've decided to hook-up with Melton Transportation headquartered in Tulsa, OK. My orientation date is flexible but will be roughly in the second week of October. Orientation will consist on 1 week of securement training at HQ followed directly by 4-5 out with a trainer.

Now here's the part I need help with. First off, I've lived the last 40 years in Phx, AZ, so obviously my body is used to the warm weather. I will be taking the Dirty Dog to Tulsa and won't be heading home before heading out with the trainer and I will not have the ability to speak with my trainer before arriving in Tulsa. Starting that information, I need help with trying not turning into an human popsicle, bringing the proper EQ with me while limiting space. What should I include. I really need help with the winter clothing suggestions as my winter wardrobe currently consists a pair of pants that are not shorts and a long sleeve shirt. (Only kidding - but not by much. The winter clothing issue really concerns me.) So far my list includes: Safety Boots Walking -Driving Shoes Running Shoes and Running Gear 2 pair Levis (Driving) 1 set of Twill Coveralls medium weight 4 driving shirts 3 LS Work Shirt ??Thoughts, Should I get a heavy insulated set of bib overalls - if so what brand - have no experience here? ?Sweatshirts, Thinking of layering ?Jacket- really need suggestions here, brands or what it should be made of. I was thinking of heading to a thrift store as I am assuming this jacket could be getting very dirty - good idea or not Gloves - what type ? someone mentioned insulated work gloves - is this a good idea or will they get torn up too quick. Balaclava - 2 ??Should I bring a comforter? ??Sleeping Bag?? ??Pillows?? Atlas Toiletries Phone Computer ?? Truck GPS - Should I bring mine? What work gear would be handy. Flashlights - type. I have a few smaller flashlights - was thinking about a head or ball cap mounted light for hands free use. Please add more What am I missing - What should stay home? Thanks for the input ya'all Bill from Chattanooga

Welcome aboard Bill!

For starters, we have some articles that cover items to bring on the road so have a look at those for some ideas.

But we get asked this a lot so let's go ahead and come up with a list. Everyone jump in.

For starters, here's my suggestions:

Two sets of footwear - one that's comfortable (sneakers), one that can handle cold and mud (insulated boots).

Two sets of work gloves - one cheap $3 pair, one rubber-type material for fueling. Insulation optional.

Maybe 3 pairs of jeans, 5 T-shirts, 3 long sleeve shirts, 2 sweatshirts, and a winter jacket.

A sleeping bag works great but may not be necessary. I'll let some recent students chime in with what worked for them.

A communications device or two - cell phone, tablet, laptop

Others will chime in with more ideas. The biggest thing is to start very lightly and work your way up. In the beginning you'll be on the road with a trainer so there will be very little room in the truck for much of anything, and some of the stuff he'll already have - GPS, atlas, etc. Anything you find you'll need out there you'll get a chance soon enough to stop at a Walmart and pick it up. So it's not like this is your one chance to remember everything for the next three months. Just bring the minimum stuff for now and build up your inventory once you're out there and you know what you want.

Yup, I agree with Brett. The one thing you don't wanna do is cramp your trainer !!! You are looking at 6 weeks before you will be headed home. If you think about layering on clothing, you will find that you have more options for when it cooler, and then layer when its cold. Tee shirts, a few long sleeved shirts, long jeans...1 pair of shorts, or so. It will really depend on where your trainer runs, if he's regional , or all 48. It would be nice to know ahead of time. But you can buy what you find you need as you go along. A light....we do use the headsets alot. And GLOVES...atleast one set of good leather, and a rubber dipped set for fueling (they are cheap). The leather ones are for tarping, strapping and chaining. You will rather have your gloves get ripped off than get your hand trapped. Work boots are not optional in most shippers and receivers. You don't have to have steel toes, and I have personally never wished I had them. Rain wear, like a jacket is a great thing. they make em so you can wad them up and put them in a small bag. rain pants...not so much..you just change your jeans and dry them out..lol. You will need a HARD HAT...required when loading and unloading in most places.AND the famous safety vest...Bright orange or green. You may want to see if Melton provides any of the safety gear... Good Luck...Skateboardin' ain't for sissies !!!!

Brett - Starcar

Thank you both for your handy advice. The nice thing is I've got a few weeks before my report date so I'll be able to acquire everything before I head out to Tulsa.

Brett, One last thing, I REALLY, REALLY appreciate the High Road CDL prep program. I was able to easily pass my permit test on the first try with the knowledge I gained. Since acquiring the permit, I also snagged endorsements for Tankers - Double and Triples and I've started the process for obtaining my Haz-Mat. Again all these endorsements were acquired by using the High Road training program and the Mobile App for studying.

Thanks again, love the positive atmosphere here. Bill in Chattanooga

Bill, most companies will provide you with the hard hat and reflective vest, so I wouldn't bring those with me, but Star is right about many places you go will require you to have work boots on just to get in their plant. I don't really recommend bringing a laptop during training, but that's going to be your own call. The reason is simply that you will very seldom find the time to use it and it's just one more thing that takes up space. If your trainers truck is anything like mine was it is already overstuffed with junk and everything you bring will be in your already too small bunk with you while you're sleeping.

I always recommend the sleeping bag because you will probably be sleeping in the trainers bunk at times if you start operating like a team. It's just easier to set your sleeping bag on top of his bedding and climb in rather than having to change bedding out so that you are not sleeping in his sheets.

As far as winter clothing goes,think in terms of layers. You can have a heavy T-shirt with a flannel shirt over that and a jacket over that. As the day warms, or you warm with physical exertion, you can always remove a layer to stay comfortable.

I'll take fleece shirts over flannel any day. Fleece wicks better, and if you get wet, you still stay reasonably warm, and they are lighter than flannel. AND fleece washes better, and dries really easy....I make fleece truck blankets for those same reasons. Nothing is worse than needing a warm blanket, then have it make your toes sore, cuz its heavy. I know...it must be a girl thing...

I REALLY, REALLY appreciate the High Road CDL prep program. I was able to easily pass my permit test on the first try with the knowledge I gained

Awesome news!!! Really glad to hear our program helped you out and congrats on getting the permit and endorsements!