At the risk of sounding lets say, less than sharp, will anyone give me a list of things I need to take in my duffle bag when I start with a trainer. If it makes any difference, the school I go to is not directly affiliated with any particular trucking company.
Thank you for serious AND comical replys.

You can't even navigate a message forum, and, you're gonna' be a truck driver. Oh brother!

[LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link. , then get back to us with more specific questions that haven't been asked.

yeah, i hear 'ya, about 30 seconds after I put this up I found the thread in a different section. Looks like I need to focus on trip planning.

I was searching myself this morning, but I guess I was typing the wrong things...I know I've seen lists before, but couldn't find anything.

I'm glad you asked! They say there's no such thing as a stupid question, cause chances are, someone else is sitting there wondering the same thing, but too afraid to ask!

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Yesterday is History
Tomorrow is a Mystery
Today is a Gift - that's why they call it the Present

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I found this in the experienced truckers advice forum about 30 seconds after I started this thread...

[LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link.
Professor of Mischief




Packing List for Students
Drivers, lets put together a packing list for the student going out with a trainer. We don't want them to overpack. (neither will their trainer) We can start a list for the new solo driver also. These are some of the things. Please add to the list as you see fit.

Shower supplies. Shaving kit, toothbrush/toothpaste. Personal items you know you need. Flip-flops for showers, Small laundry bag for dirty clothes, small bag to carry clean clothes and shaving kit into truckstop, personal meds, Immodium AD, etc.

Sleeping Bag (easier to carry, can get linen, quilts, etc when you are solo) Small pillow. Alarm clock, clothes, laundry soap, boots, shoes, rain-gear, flashlight, Coat/jacket, gloves, (flatbed-coveralls)

briefcase, caculator, pens, ruler, small staple gun, whiteout, Good trucker atlas, truck stop directory, All your paperwork from school, SSN card, Birth cert, CDL, Med card, work history, reference addresses and TX #'s, cell phone (nice to have) Money to survive on (try to stay away from advancements) Bank account info, for direct deposit?
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My childhood dream of becoming a truck driver turned into a nightmare!




Though this list may be a bit extensive, it definately covers all bases.
later in the thread the subject comes up about keeping as compact as possible.
Keep in mind that a trainers truck is also his home and we as students should consider ourselves a guest in someone elses home.

You are also right about asking questions, dont hesitate to ask if the trainer takes it as an opportunity to be a prick.

se ya' on flip.
peace.

that was a good list to start with,I seem to remember That I took about five changes of clothes, a sleeping bag,shaving gear,etc. about four months after I went solo I got my first new truck! Took me four and a half hours to move into the new one. Couldn't belive how much "stuff" I accumulated. Guess I better start bedbugging!!!!!!!!!

don't forget flip-flops or lysol for the showers!!!

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tip for new truckers: to err is human, to forgive is not D.O.T. policy.
"if you don't HAVE the money to buy it, YOU CAN'T AFFORD IT"- DAVE RAMSEY

Don't forget your sharing a very small space with someone you hardly know so it's nice if you ask before just assuming it's okay if you change anything in the truck. Besure not to forget air freshner you'll need this from time to time as being cooped up in a small place tends to bring about, shall we say less than plesent smells. It is always nice to ask what the other person likes b4 using any freshner. Sorry to ramble about this but I had a bad experience with this once. I hope this helps. Good Luck

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Dale Earnhardt(Forever a Champion)

All of above is good, but some things i cant live without is a: Powered Ice chest - it plugs in and keeps things preety cold and a coffee pot - it plugs in too! the plugs are just like your phone charger (which you need also) but you probaly dont need this with your trainer
the coffee pot is a little slow probaly because of the low power from the battery get the indiviual paks of coffee (self contanted) they clean up better. I also take about 3 gal of water for cleaning, drinking and other stuff like brushing teeth etc... also I like to have some cleaning wipes(wet wipes) and paper towels.

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so get ready

I would leave everything but I can't live without my CD's. As long as I have my music, I don't care if I was with anybody like that Werner driver who crapped him self! Just gonna take A LOOOOTTTT of batteries!