Packing List For Students
Topic 96 | Page 1
I would like to add to the above question: Towels? When taking showers at a truck stop, do this provide this? thaxs
Towels? When taking showers at a truck stop, do this provide this?
They do indeed provide towels and a little soap bar. If you have big hands, it's like the size of a tic tac so bring your own soap 
I would like to know a more practical list of things to bring for over the road
Ok, because you'll be on the road with a trainer at first, you can only bring very little with you - maybe two medium size duffel bags or so. All the big things the trainer will have already and you'll learn a lot during that time about what you'd like to have with you when you go solo.
For your time in training, the list they gave you should work well.
I'm not sure if you've gone through these articles or not, but for those who are interested we have several articles on this topic and you can find those here:
Once you go solo the biggest things are your CB radio, the Rand McNally Motor Carrier's Atlas (Laminated Edition), your GPS of choice, whatever computer stuff you have (phone, tablet, laptop), a tiny set of basic tools (screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pliers, etc - maybe a $30 set of basics), a big hammer (a mini-sledge is perfect), your toiletries, two sets of footwear, 5-7 sets of clothing, two pairs of your standard work gloves, some dry foods to keep around (granola bars, canned foods of any sort, snacks, etc), and likely a mini refrigerator or plugin cooler.
At this point I wouldn't sweat it much because you're going to figure all this out during your time with a trainer when you won't be able to bring most of that anyhow. During your time with a trainer make a list of things you'll want to buy for when you go solo and once they assign you a truck you'll get a chance to hit a truck stop and a Walmart and grab about everything you'll need.
Over The Road:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
I would like to add to the above question: Towels? When taking showers at a truck stop, do this provide this? thaxs
Yes, but bring one in case your terminal has showers..
As for what to bring.. I took bedding (pillow, blanket, sheet), shower supplies (soaps, tooth paste, tooth brush, Razer, shower shoes), laptop/tablet, 8 days off clothing (I say 8 so you have something to wear on laundry day.), Penn and notebook for notes... and anything else you could think of...
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
I would like to add to the above question: Towels? When taking showers at a truck stop, do this provide this? thaxs
Steve,
I have heard that they are provided, but you are better off bringing your own. There is no telling what has been done with the towels they provide. My list from the recruiter said to bring two towels.
Brett beat me to it... was typing it on my phone.
One of the most left behind things is HEADACHE medication. And trust me...you WILL have headaches...and pains in your legs that you will swear are breaking your femur. Also, some sort of medicated powder for your boots/ feet. Being in boots for long periods of time, you will sweat, freeze, and sweat again. Its hard on your feet, and unless they have come up with something since my brothers were at home....guys feet SMELL. So you really don't want to head for the bunk and peel off your shoes, only to gas your trainer. And if he does it, thats really rude. If you have allergies, you will need whatever you take for them. By law you can' have any Nyquil, or any other stuff that has alcohol in it. So buy accordingly.
DAC:
Drive-A-Check Report
A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).
It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.
Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.
Yea cuz everyone just wants to get drunk off the quill.. LOL. rather have a real drink instead.. lol
I can't even take it for what its meant for.....goes down...comes right back.
...not fun.
and pains in your legs that you will swear are breaking your femur
That sounds like Sciatica. My ma just went through that and said it was the worst pain she was ever in. Of course it's predictable at this point that I'm going to say that Yoga will almost certainly prevent this sort of thing...and it will. Sitting for prolonged periods is definitely one of the possible triggers for it.
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Hey TruckingTruth,
I will be headed off to orientation/training in a couple of weeks. I have been emailed a list of stuff to bring such as clothes, bedding, toiletries, etc. I would like to know a more practical list of things to bring for over the road. I will be out for approx. 3 weeks at a time. I want to hear from the experienced drivers out there. Also feel free to leave any tips/tricks you may have such as making your own baby wipes. I will also use this info when I become solo. I always appreciate the advice. Thank you!
Over The Road:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.