WHAT YOU WILL NEED OUT ON THE ROAD

I've read in more than one place that school/training is basically a several-weeks-long interview. I intend to make an effort to look as nice as I can while still being practical. I'll be taking some nice polo shirts, new jeans, and a new (plain, no slogans or logos) t-shirt or two with me to school. I don't think your Marine t-shirts will be too much of a problem as long as they're clean and free of holes/rips. As for the Danskin pants, if they're the skin-tight ones I'm thinking of (kinda like yoga pants?), I'd leave them at home. You're going to be working around a bunch of guys, for the most part. Skin-tight pants probably aren't the most appropriate choice of clothing and I doubt they'd be allowed anyway. Your best bet would be to talk about all of this with your recruiter.

As for your hair, you'll probably have to tie it up. Mine's very long -- around mid- to lower-back length. I'm currently debating whether I feel like dealing with it (ugh, what a hassle) or if I should just cut it all off.

The Boonie hat is a good idea...I'm a flatbedder, and I have LONG hair, so I use a snow cap..holds all my hair, its small to pack, and easy to wash. AND it cushions when ya raise your head up to soon !! The Danskins are great pants, and really comfy, so those and jeans and your set. I always wear tee shirts, and mostly military, since I'm from a military family.I just cant see crawlin' up in the engine compartment to check the fluids in a girly top, with my boos hangin' out...tacky, tacky, tacky...lol

good afternoon ladies, ok sooooo I've applied with Swift, Ive taken some of the online tests here and Swift has sent me online classes. I have now read what you are saying I need to bring and I am now feeling like I want to throw up lol ok now my brother use to drive truck, he suggested getting a booney hat so I dont end up with oil etc in my hair when having to get under the truck, also, I saw somewhere not to wear sweat pants however I was thinking a mix of jeans and I have they are danskin pants, they are long, comfortable like sweats but dont get baggy, would that work? also, my son is a Marine and I have tshirts in abundance with things pertaining to that, are those acceptable? I wont bring my "girly" tops, which I have in abundance but as far as tshirts go all I really have are Marine based stuff, I am a supportive and proud mom lol I have slightly longer than shoulder length hair that I would really prefer not to cut, any ideas?

Hello I just finshed the Swift classed and will be headed to Tennese soon. I start classes on May 13th. Def do the training class on here. It is more detailed than Swifts.

Good Luck

Yup, and since its better than Swifts, it will put you ahead of their classes, which may get you more "truck" time...but still....STUDY STUDY STUDY.... We're her for you...good bad, or ugly...

To add to the list of things you'll need on the road, I just recently discovered the wonder of using BABY POWDER as dry shampoo. For those days when you can't get a shower for whatever reason, OMG it is wonderful. Just sprinkle some on your scalp, rub it in, tousle your hair around, and brush it out -- voila! Clean hair! And it smells good, too. :)

Houkie, you may want to wait to cut your hair....I can tuck my hair in my pants when its in a braid, so when I went trucking, I to thought about cutting it. But I don't like to fiddle with my hair, so I left it long. And am I ever glad. I NEVER wake up to "pillow hair". I braid it, and forget it. if the braid gets in the way, I'll stuff it down my tee shirt, (gets some interesting looks in the truck stop.)And in the world of trucking, theres so few ways to really feel feminine. And I hae yet to EVER have to pay for a trim. I just go to the guys barber shop, and ask him what he'd charge for a trim. They usually ask if Id like it washed, and then they don't charge me...trust me,.....its a guy thing, I'm sure. I always have talc powder in the truck. I don't really like to use baby powder, because if you sweat, and you have it in any skin creases, it will kinda ball up, and itch. I use Gold Bond, cuz it is really smooth, AND medicated...Ill have to try it out in my hair, tho. I don't have any oil in my hair, in fact I use this stuff I buy at Wally World called "Silk". I put about 4 drops in my hands, flip my hair over, and run my hands thru it, then brush it to get it all thru it. I love this stuff, it takes care of my dry hair, static electricity, and man...does it smell wonderful. Its a little costly, but I'm worth it...

Such wonderful ideas, so I have a question, when you go out with your trainer after you get your cdl do you have time for showers etc or should I consider it a taste of real life out on the road?

You should get showers regularly...I can't think of a trainer who would hold you hostage for a shower. But they may be every other day, every 3 day, or so. TSB found out that if I didn't get my shower atleast every other day, my fangs grew...But you can ask your trainer what kind of shower schedule he/she tries to keep, then you'll have some idea.

Hi Starcar,

I've been out with my trainer 5 weeks now and have averaged showers every two to three days. In between, baby wipes work wonders. Take them with you to the rest room, strip down and wipe, refresh deodorant, change undies, socks and shirt and you're good to go. I put my makeup on in the truck. Like Star said I don't want to be holding up the shower room. Wipes for sensitive skin work fine for wiping makeup off at the end of the day. I have really short hair and only need some wax or paste to style. Basically rub the top of my head with my fingers and pull hair up on the top. Done. Find a hair style that's very low maintenance.

As far as porta potty, every shipper/receiver, every convenience store and every truck stop has a bathroom. It hasn't been a problem yet in five weeks. I go every chance I get. I call it pre-emptive peeing. I still drink plenty of water; a 24 pack of 1/2 liter bottles lasts me five days. Eat healthy, lots of veggies and you should have a BM every one or two days. I buy spinach leaves, cooked chicken tenderloins, sweet bell peppers and blue cheese dressing. Alternate the chicken with lean lunch meat & cheese or egg salad. Greek yogurt (plain full fat) with honey for breakfast. High protein/low carb. We have a plug in cooler in the truck. Maybe once a week we have breakfast at the truck stop, waffles, eggs and bacon. I think I've lost weight while driving lol. Some days I only eat twice. I'm up to driving 8-9 hours a day now.

I wear jeans and t shirts which I buy at Goodwill. Men's white undershirts work, too. Also sneakers. Which I bought new :) Truck stops and terminals have laundry facilities. You don't need to bring much, just a week's worth maybe.

I am loving it. It's harder work than it looks but I'm still having a blast. I should have my own truck by Memorial Day weekend. Hooray! Only 70 BTW (behind the wheel) hours to go.

If I think of anything else I'll post it. Stay safe out there. Go for it ladies. If you want it, go for it.

I am an over packer My suitcase for training weighed 70lbs. My trainer didnt mind cause I slept with it in my bunk. Im 5'1 so it wasn't an issue. In my truck I have an electric cooler, a map, a kindle fire and my new phone Note 2. I love that think. I have 30 pairs of socks, 30 underwear and 12 bras:) I dont use a port o potty cause its too hard to maintain but I do save a few fastfood cups and in a pinch I transfer it to a bottle and throw away. Sometimes Im just too lazy to walk in the rain to the bathroom. I wear girly clothes and tops with jeans. I shower EVERYDAY and get my nails done every 2. Proper planning and you wont have issues. I have way too many clothes lol but hey I like options