Required, Necessary, And Needed Things For When You Go On The Road

I'll start out by saying that clothes are the most needed, but you need to look at what and where you will be to decide what TYPE of clothes you will need. I found out early on that bras with wire in them were not for fluffy lady drivers. Sitting there with your arms out on the steering wheel...those wires just ate me up !! I made a small opening on each side, and slipped those stabbers out...My bras became my friends again !! And on that note...good support bras are a MUST !! As are comfortable underwear !! And you will find that panty liners will be a very comforting addition to your daily wear. I also found that LIQUID baby powder was a god send....Its not as messy as the regular powder, so you can put it where you want it. And it sure stops the chaffing and rub from clothes...which you will get when you sit driving for long periods. It also lets you smell good !!! I always wear denim jeans, tee shirts, polo, or button down shirts. they are comfy, roomy,easy to wash, and they don't need to be hung. Always keep one set of clothes for those times that you may meet with family of friends to go out and eat... Baby wipes are great...but my homemade Trucker's Wipes are better !!!!If anyone wants the "recipe" I'll gladly post it here...they leave you fresh, clean, and don't leave any residual soap to cause irritation. For those days when a shower is not in the cards...they are invaluable. I like to change my sox ALOT...weird, I know..but hey..thats me. I'd say 8 pairs of pants(add some shorts for the summer) 8-10 shirts, 8-10 underpants, and a comparable amount of bras. SOX..10-12 pair, a light jacket, a light over shirt( I like the fleece ones) a heavy coat, shoes as noted above, and gloves as noted. Toiletries an personal needs are each ladies own choice. I don't wear makeup, but some do. I don't use a hair curler or blow dryer, some do. But I have hair below my waist (easier for me to take care of) so I always carried hair clips to get it up off my neck, and hair rubber bands to braid it or just band it together. So this is a starter. Be aware that while you are with your trainer, your personal stuff needs to be kept at a minimum, since you will be sharing their space. After you get your own truck you can "spread out" !! Now ladies...lets get some discussion going from the ladies already out there on the road, and the new drivers getting ready to hit the ribbon !!!

Thanks for recommendations, putting everything in one Army issue duffle bag. Yes, would love the recipe for Trucker's wipes, since I seem to be allergic to everything. Leaving for school in 2 weeks, pretty nervous and happy at the same time, but not too bad.

Thanks for the recipe for trucker wipes, wish I had when I was on the road with my ex. But now that I am looking at a career driving on my own this info will be put to good use. This site has been such a big help in answering questions and giving me the confidence to know I can do this and make it through school. Just have to decide which one and get through the test modules. I drove in a training with my ex but was limited and loved it. Excited and scared to death :).

So let me get this square in my mind...have you taken any training, or road with someone who was in training, or done with training?? Are you working now?? do you want to go to a private school, community college, or trucking company school ?? theres alot of questions and alot of decisions...Do you live close to interstate 84 ?? thats a major freight lane...you could work for alot of different companies if you are...

So let me get this square in my mind...have you taken any training, or road with someone who was in training, or done with training?? Are you working now?? do you want to go to a private school, community college, or trucking company school ?? theres alot of questions and alot of decisions...Do you live close to interstate 84 ?? thats a major freight lane...you could work for alot of different companies if you are...

Have not had any formal training with a school. My ex was suppose to teach me so that we could team drive, but alas that did not go far, so I did the books and kept him on the road(Owner Operator) till our divorice. I did have my permit, so have taken the test and had limited drive time. I am looking at Company Schools(CrEngalnd and Swift at the moment). I work for our local Hwy Dist doing books and running road equipment when needed. Live in the Middle of Idaho literally, so distance is not a big issue to me, I have to drive 80 miles for any major shopping. Yes there are alot of decisions and questions and I read the blogs posted &has been very helpful. I liked being on the road and like to drive and now that my kids(son & daughter-in-law) moved home to take care of animals I get to leave home for a while.

Well, Tracy...you look like you are ready to step into trucking !!! Since you do have some background, it will be a little easier for you. But heed this warning...training school is INTENSE, FAST PACED, and they throw a ton of stuff at you all at once. The best way to get ahead of the herd is to work thru High Road Training Program. You will probably have to redo your permit..tho i'm not sure how long they are good for,its different for every state. Plan on getting your regular permit, doubles triples, tanker, hazmat...everything but passenger. I know its a pain, but it widens your horizons when you are looking for a company you want to drive for ...they like you better !!! So now its time to find a school/company school...If you decide on a company school, remember...you will want to stay with that company for atleast a year...so choose wisely. Theres a ton of them out there, but you can apply at a bunch of them here: Company-Sponsored Training . The links Brett has provided are great, but you can always come here, or to the general forum to ask any questions you have. Now get to studying !!!...and keep us updated on how your adventure is going.