Must-have essentials for truck drivers

Life on the road can be challenging, but a little planning can make it easier. Whether you are a new truck driver or a pro hauler, it is important to check your packing list before each trip to make sure you have all the essential things. Here are a few of them.

Things every truck driver needs

Trucking permit and credentials

This seems obvious, but this paperwork should always be with you on the road. So before setting off double-check if you took a CDL license, insurance, vehicle registration, state permits, and other documents depending on which logistics company you work for and what loads you are hauling. 

Trucking and Off-Duty Clothes and Shoes

If you are an Over-the-Road truck driver, you will have to deal with a wide range of weather conditions while driving. And you should be ready for this. Therefore, you should always pack comfy trucking attire, waterproof boots, work gloves, some extra clothes, and underwear, a warm jacket, raincoat, high-visibility jacket, comfy off-duty clothes and sneakers, anti-scratch sunglasses, a hard hat, and safety glasses. 

Emergency and First-Aid Kits

Of course, every driver has a first-aid kit, but don’t forget to check it regularly, and replace items as needed. Your emergency kit should include batteries, a flashlight, duct tape, jumper cables, a tarp, a window de-icer, a hammer, tire pressure gauge, and a set of tools.

Hygiene basics

Bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, shower gel, grooming tools, emergency bathroom container, and toilet paper. And if you do not want to get a fungal infection in the shower, carry some flip-flops. 

Food, snacks, and water

Of course, there are a lot of restaurants on the interstates and highways. But if we talk about healthy food, it is better to make your own. Don’t forget to take gallons of water to stay hydrated and buy some non-perishable healthy snacks like peanut butter, nuts, trail mixes, meat jerky, whole grain crackers, apples, bananas, etc.

Sleeping gear

Getting a good sleep in a truck can be challenging, so you should try and create an atmosphere of comfort. You’ll need a sleeping bag or blanket, quality mattress, orthopedic pillow, earplugs, white noise machine.

Electronics and Gadgets every truck driver should have

Modern technology can make life on the road easier, more comfortable, and exciting. Therefore, we suggest that you get some gadgets, such as GPS, coffee maker or electric coffee warmer, a portable refrigerator, dashcam, power station, phone charger, CB radio, a portable electric skillet, handheld vacuums, and something for your entertainment (e-Reader, Laptop, or Tablet with cellular connectivity to watch Netflix or Hulu, music player, game console).

Atlas or Maps

We are confident that you have a GPS. But technology tends to fail at the most inopportune moment. In case of navigation fails, it’s great to have an updated atlas or map made especially for truck drivers.