Semi-Retired ;-) CDL B To CDL A, Lord Willing!

Well, going on two work weeks and I'm still in a holding pattern waiting for a truck to be assigned. I do call each Friday to stay in contact with my FM and see if there are any updates. Currently the same is true with waiting for trucks to arrive from the dealership, with the exception, that a couple of fellas have quit, so that potentially frees up a couple of trucks to help relieve the wait time for myself, and other new hires, too.

In the meantime, I have put together a bunch of things for when I move into the truck. Supplies like dash wipes, window cleaner, Rain-X windshield washer fluid and window treatment, trash bags, some extra tools, air hose with glad hand connection, 2 milk crates to stow stuff in, extra valve stem caps, thread tape, paper towels, plastic ware, paper plates/bowls/napkins, boot tray, soft rubber mat, air hose with nozzle for blowing out cab/floor mats, 5 gal. pail, steering wheel spinner, air pressure gauge, extension cord, Master lock, shower shoes, 2 qt. crock pot, safety gear (boots, reflective vests, hardhat, gloves, rain gear, first aid kit), couple of work jackets (different weights), folding knives, flashlights, gel seat pad, disposable vinyl gloves, 12v splitter, GPS, dashcam, and a couple more things like protein drinks, snacks, and a case of bottled water. In addition to all that, all my electronics and their chargers and cords, notebooks and folders, pens/paper, bedding, pillows, sleeping bag, dock kit, backpack, and clothing for the week. Still some other items to get, such as an atlas, microwave, and CB. Reflective triangles, broom, dustpan, load straps, load bars... I'll pick up these items from the yard along with extra fuses and bulbs.

Maybe that list will be food for thought for other drivers? Did I miss anything?

Some companies have a policy against installing one of those spinners on a steering wheel because it distorts the surface when bolted on; more so over time. I've never wanted one.

Some companies have a policy against installing one of those spinners on a steering wheel because it distorts the surface when bolted on; more so over time. I've never wanted one.

Haven't read any policy regarding the use of a spinner. I'd hadn't used one before until I started training and I was like, "I've got to get one of these!" Totally know what you mean about the indentation it makes. With the garbage truck I drove, the previous driver installed one and when he left, he took it with him, leaving that indentation in the wheel.

Also thought to have a spare set of quality windshield wiper blades on hand, too.

Some companies have a policy against installing one of those spinners on a steering wheel because it distorts the surface when bolted on; more so over time. I've never wanted one.

Haven't read any policy regarding the use of a spinner. I'd hadn't used one before until I started training and I was like, "I've got to get one of these!" Totally know what you mean about the indentation it makes. With the garbage truck I drove, the previous driver installed one and when he left, he took it with him, leaving that indentation in the wheel.

Those spinners can be a safety issue, too. It can prevent having a proper hold of the steering wheel.

Some companies have a policy against installing one of those spinners on a steering wheel because it distorts the surface when bolted on; more so over time. I've never wanted one.

Haven't read any policy regarding the use of a spinner. I'd hadn't used one before until I started training and I was like, "I've got to get one of these!" Totally know what you mean about the indentation it makes. With the garbage truck I drove, the previous driver installed one and when he left, he took it with him, leaving that indentation in the wheel.

Those spinners can be a safety issue, too. It can prevent having a proper hold of the steering wheel.

Thanks, Ryan. Agreed. I was thinking of positioning it a little differently than where it was located in the truck I trained in. I didn't like not being able to place my hand on the wheel where that spinner was attached.

I never used one of these except for off-road equipment. IMO I’d hone skills and gain experience without on of these.

Think about this scenario… it comes loose or breaks while spinning the wheel with one hand… it can happen.

I never used one of these except for off-road equipment. IMO I’d hone skills and gain experience without on of these.

Think about this scenario… it comes loose or breaks while spinning the wheel with one hand… it can happen.

Thanks for the advice! Will do. I'd feel better making sure I concentrate on the basics before introducing that spinner.

I never used one of these except for off-road equipment. IMO I’d hone skills and gain experience without on of these.

Think about this scenario… it comes loose or breaks while spinning the wheel with one hand… it can happen.

My first trainer had one on the steering wheel and it made continuing to learn to back difficult. It also had worn down the steering wheel so much that sometimes it would shift position while driving. I told him that I thought it would be better to remove it before it becomes the cause of losing control of the vehicle. I woke up after my next break and saw the spinner removed.

Some of those extra supplies you're getting may be supplied by your company. I've always gotten spare seals, filters, wiper blades, fluids (washer, oil, antifreeze, anti gel, Windex) at the terminal shops at no cost. I've been with at least two companies that issued an air line connection hose for airing up the tires. Spend as little as possible on their truck. Save receipts to get reimbursed for maintenance supplies.

Use the money instead for creature comforts inside the truck like cooking appliances, a CB with a high-dollar coax and antenna, freezers, coolers, a high quality mattress and bedding. I view my truck as an apartment on wheels, outfitted with anything that makes my OTR life comfortable and practical. My truck is so well stocked that I could be stranded for two weeks and want for nothing.