What Type Of Bag/luggage Should I Bring For Training?

Hey everyone,

I'm really excited to finally say that I am going to start my training with Wilson Logistics on April 12th! I'm going to use all of next week to get ready to start this new chapter and I'm curious: what type of bags do y'all use? Should I bring the biggest bag I can carry? Something with 100 different organizational compartments? Multiple bags for multiple things? What works for you? For context, outside of the necessary clothes that I'll bring with me, I'll be bringing my small laptop, maybe a few books, a coffee travel mug and reusable water bottle, necessary toiletries, and whatever else the company recommends that I bring. Also, I'll spend the first 2-3 months in my trainer's truck, so that will necessarily restrict how much space I have for my own stuff. So let me know what your set-up is! I'm going to be antsy all week while I'm waiting to go and this will give me something to think about.

Thanks

- Chris

Don’t overthink it. You won’t have a lot of time to read so I would skip the books. Download kindle app on your phone if you must.

Reusable water bottle is great but you probably won’t use it much. Where will you fill it up?

I would go with a big gym bag, and a small shower bag(needs to be able to fit one pie of clean clothes and toiletries), and a laundry bag. It’s all gonna have to fit on your bunk when you are driving and the passenger seat while you are sleeping. Your trainer may or may not give you cabinet space. I would t count on it. Besides you aren’t there to move in , just trains try not to spread out.

Don’t worry about multiple Compartments. Get some big ziplock bags to separate your socks and underwear.

Remember to bring shower shoes.

Get a thin sleeping bag so you don’t have to worry about sheets and a blanket.

Just remember most anything you bring needs to fit on the bunk with you.

I would recommend a small suitcase and a military duffel bag.

I would suggest, not bringing the laptop. Bring your phone and a couple of charging cords. A large duffle, one with wheels will help. Large enough to hold 7 to 8 days worth of clothes, your bedding and pillow. A toiletry bag and small duffle or knapsack for a shower bag. You will most likely be to tired each day for games and reading.

PackRat points out:

Just remember most anything you bring needs to fit on the bunk with you.

I would recommend a small suitcase and a military duffel bag.

Yes, your life for a few weeks needs to be very compact. But here's some news: the sleeper bunks are extra long! The official bedsheet size is Twin XL. BTW, I also had a small bag I kept on the floor, out of the way. No problem there.

I'm 6'1" tall. I kept my duffle at the foot end and still had plenty of room to stretch out at bedtime. Also, if you plan to use bedsheets when you're on your own, look for TXL size.

You will most likely be to tired each day for games and reading.

I am here to say this is 1000% accurate, more so if/when you hit a team driving phase. After trying to get as close to 11hrs as you can, you will eat (maybe) and crash hard.

If it's team training, you are going to be hard-pressed to attempt reading while that truck is going down the road due to the vibrations.

I mostly agree with the previous replies. A large bag to hold your clothes and a smaller bag/backpack to use for toiletries, etc. to bring into the shower.

The student I have now brought a laptop, a VR headset, a Nintendo switch...All unnecessary! You can get away with bringing those types of things as long as you don't leave them strewn about the cab. Having tons of charging cables and extraneous adapters littering the truck is a big no-no. Last time he went home (while I took some home time) he ditched the laptop and the VR headset.

Be as minimal as possible. Prepare to be inconvenienced somewhat for a couple months. Learning the job and developing skills is only part of the struggle. The other part is adapting to living in a small space with another person. Luckily you only have to deal with it for a little while. Once you get your own truck, then you can bring all your creature comforts aboard.

I start with May Trucking on the 4/12 as well. May actually emailed me a packing list and explicitly stated no video games systems. for learning a new career i am more than willing to give up my hobby for a while. Plus if you are worried about what to do on a 34 hour reset keep in mind that is when you will more than likely be doing laundry etc. A book never hurt anyone I think, I dont plan on having akot of free time though.

As for my bag I have a gym duffel and a backpack I am bringing and a laundry sack, work gloves, sleeping bag (I already own 3 of em lol) and pillow.

My only genuine , and i feel warranted concern that I have is food. Weight control has been a huge battle for me my whole life and I can quickly gain weight if I eat too much fast food, truck stop food etc. Some drivers ive noticed just don't seem to care about it or plan for it. It might sound silly to some but a month or 2 out on the road eating the wrong foods or not having access to healthier options or cooking my own healthy options and I can gain 20 to 30 pounds...easy....not embellishing it either.

Hey everyone,

I'm really excited to finally say that I am going to start my training with Wilson Logistics on April 12th! I'm going to use all of next week to get ready to start this new chapter and I'm curious: what type of bags do y'all use? Should I bring the biggest bag I can carry? Something with 100 different organizational compartments? Multiple bags for multiple things? What works for you? For context, outside of the necessary clothes that I'll bring with me, I'll be bringing my small laptop, maybe a few books, a coffee travel mug and reusable water bottle, necessary toiletries, and whatever else the company recommends that I bring. Also, I'll spend the first 2-3 months in my trainer's truck, so that will necessarily restrict how much space I have for my own stuff. So let me know what your set-up is! I'm going to be antsy all week while I'm waiting to go and this will give me something to think about.

Thanks

- Chris

Get a hiking/camping backpack they will fit everything you will need. Plus your sleeping bag can attach to the bottom of it. I got a kelty cayote and one of the best purchases I made before heading off to training. Super cumphy very well made. Spend a few bucks on something nice and it will pay dividends.