What else should I bring with me to training (above/beyond checklist items)?

Are there any items that you'd recommend a newbie take to orientation (above/beyond what's on the checklist)? I ship out in two weeks, so I have some time to get things together. It being winter...I'll be sure to get out in the garage and dig up my cold weather gear. I'm planning on stuffing everything into one of my old A3 or duffel bags (easy to collapse and doesn't take up any space).

One item that was mentioned in a non-TMC related thread was a sleeping bag (in case I head right out with a trainer). I can see that taking up a good chunk of space in my bag though. Thanks in advance.

 

Haha. Nice. Yeah...from what I hear...I wouldn't last long with that packing list.

I'm tempted to bring my laptop, but that was specifically mentioned as a "don't bring" item (no "valuables"). I've got a Lenovo $300 special that's all banged up though. I doubt anyone would bother to lift it, if given the chance. On cash...yup...I'm hearing that's a definite one to bring, with the infrequent transportation (order out for food). Thank you.

 

It wouldn't hurt to toss a few packs of ramen noodles into my bag. Maybe go to town on the ramen and get through orientation with a total food budget of like $4, lol.

 

Yup. That is one of the main reasons that I'm going with them. The main thing that I've been dreading about going off to training is the horror stories (not TMC...trucking in general) of people getting teamed up with a trainer for 4-5 weeks that is a complete slob. From the sound of it, they don't tolerate that.

Above is the text from the orientation sheet concerning transportation. If you can't bum a ride with a classmate or you miss the bus to Walmart...you need to either eat at the restaurant in the hotel or have something delivered.