You’ve finished your Class A CDL training and are ready to hit the road. Or at least you think you’re ready. Make sure you’re prepared for the road ahead by having these essential supplies! This ultimate shopping list for new truck drivers will set you up for success.
BASIC TRUCKING SUPPLIES
- Water. You’ll get thirsty while you’re on the road, so it’s best to pack something to drink. Water is very affordable to buy in bulk.
- Snacks. You’re bound to get hungry on the road. But it’s best to pack some non-perishable items that don’t need to be refrigerated such as peanut butter, bread, crackers, apples, bananas, beef jerky, or canned soup.
- Toiletries. Keep clean and stay refreshed with a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, deodorant, cologne, body wash, shampoo, etc.
- Comfortable clothes. It’s essential to bring comfortable clothes for a long drive. Depending on the weather, you should have button-ups, t-shirts, jeans, shorts, jogging pants.
- Off-duty attire. During your trip, it’s convenient to have some comfortable clothes for when you’re not driving.
- Shoes. You’ll need running shoes for comfort. If you plan on stopping to shower, it’s best to pack shower flip-flops shoes to protect your feet from infections like athlete’s foot. It’s always good to have boots just in case you need to do some work or the weather changes up.
- Gloves. To keep your hands warm or to make loading and unloading easier, it’s a good idea to have gloves on hand.
- Raincoat. Weather can be unpredictable. You don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere and it’s raining, but you don’t have a raincoat.
- Cell phone mount. This is best for safety. It can be dangerous to hold a phone while driving, whether you’re making a call or using the GPS. Having your cell phone mounted to the dashboard or windshield can solve this problem.
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
- Phone number list. In case your phone dies and you can’t access your contacts, having a written phone number list can come in handy when you need to make an important call.
- Flashlight with batteries. A flashlight is a great tool for any emergency situation. If your truck breaks down at night, using a flashlight can help you see under the hood.
- Portable cell phone charger. In case you can’t use your regular charger, when you don’t have access to a power outlet, for example, a portable charger can be useful.
- Small first aid kit. If you get hurt during your trips, it’s good to have bandages, dressings, medications, and treatments on hand.
ITEMS FOR COMFORT
- Portable toilet. Sometimes it’s not viable to make a restroom stop. A portable toilet can meet your bathroom needs without the need to stop.
- Sleeping bag/blanket/pillow. When you don’t want to stop at a hotel to rest, you can sleep in your truck. A sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow can provide you some comfort.
- Pain medication. Whether you have a bad headache or you’re experiencing some knee pain, it’s wise to pack some Tylenol or Ibuprofen for your trip.
For more information about the trucking industry and CDL training, feel free to contact us. At DriveCo CDL Learning Center, our focus is to help our students become successful truck drivers!
