To everyone who's posted their thoughts on this thread, thanks a million!!!! I'm off to orientation with Gordon on the 30th and feel like I'm prepared as well as I possibly could be. This forum in general has been invaluable to me in getting ready for this career change. Thanks again and be safe out there everyone.

Excellent thread; thanks for thinkin' about us newbies. The list on post #168 along with several other comments make this thread invaluable; no wonder it's docked.
One thing I noticed missing, though, and something I haven't left home without and am gonna feel downright naked without, will be my .45. Jees, of all the folks ('sides women, o' course) that need a sidearm nowadays in "these times", it ought to be truckers, for cyrin' out loud. I know, I know; our handlers like us soft, pink, unarmed and, by all means, paying tribute. Just for fun, though, when the DMV lady was handing me my new CDL, I asked to get the Federal Firearms Endorsement, you know, the one where the Department of Homeland Security issues you a brand new .45 to help secure your load. Ha, ha, ha -- she almost took it back -- ha, ha, ha.

Seriously, though, what happened to Jason Rivenburg in March last year and not 10 miles from where I live makes me a little apprehensive goin' OTR. Of course, there's always 911; when seconds count, they say, help's only minutes away.

If'n I can't pack what I'd like to pack, I'll try to make sure I pack a good sense of humor.

scCopperHead

My man just got a trucking job with panther. Having the list made getting things ready easy. Thank you for the help.

Originally Posted by sofasurfer

Thanks for taking me seriously.
I ain't sleepin' face-to-face with no one. Double bunks for me.

You could allways buy a tazer! LOL

I think this is a great thread. It has been a big help for me. Just remember not to over pack. Just take what you think you will absolutely need. Your trainer will have everything else, that's what they are there for...

Purex has these laundry/softener sheets. All in one, they look like heavy duty softener sheets. Just toss one in the wash, it releases the soap, then it acts as a softener sheet in the dryer.

They dont take up much room (i put several in a ziplock, ) they pack flat and are easy to use.

Originally Posted by cookie278

Purex has these laundry/softener sheets. All in one, they look like heavy duty softener sheets. Just toss one in the wash, it releases the soap, then it acts as a softener sheet in the dryer.

They dont take up much room (i put several in a ziplock, ) they pack flat and are easy to use.

I've seen these at the store. If they get your clothes clean, I think I'll pick some up. Like you said, they don't take up much space and are less expensive than soap at the T/S or terminal.