Packing List for Students

Trainees get the top bunk, but while the truck is in motion, you have to sleep on the bottom bunk where you can use the cargo net seatbelt per DOT regulations. That said, it's easier to use a sleeping bag you can throw on top of your trainers bedding with your own pillow and a blanket.

Storage you will probably get one cabinet space of about 18"x18"x12". Then your bunk has enough room for about 1'x 42" for a bag or two by your feet. That top bunk is yours and what you can fit up there is okay.

Post 1 pack list is good. You can do without a briefcase. Orientations usually gives you a pen and logbook ruler. Sitting in the drivers seat all you need is a pen, ruler, calculator, logbook and a map. White out is acceptable for logbook mistakes. All truckstop counters have staplers so you don't really need that. Starting out I would buy the paperback Rand McNally Truckers map for less than $10. I don't see why you can't share the trainers truckers map if you are strapped for cash.
Until you can afford a logbook cover a clipboard or something solid to write on helps. The map could suffice. Most truckstops have a free CatScale directory that you can use to find most truckstops.

All your free time you are going to want to sleep. You might have an hour each day while you are awake and not driving. Some of you will have problems sleeping in a bumpy truck. Eventially you are so tired it doesn't matter. When or if you are layed over. You can kill time in the truck stop. Most have TV rooms, gamerooms, laundry mats and showers. Your trainer might have a TV in the truck. The stores sell individual laundry soaps so you really don't have to bring that. Truck stop showers supply towels, wash clothes and a little soap bar. So really all you need is your toothbrush, tooth paste, shampoo, shaving supplies, and deoderant.

Most terminals have laundry machines but no soap. Most have showers but no towels. So you might bring one towel with you.

Buy you some gloves because you will need them fueling and other stuff. The trainer is going to make you do all the little stuff like fueling, cleaning the windshield, checking the oil, tires, pti, unloading, etc.

Most of you are strapped for cash is one reason you are getting the job. Minimum cash advances are available from the company but you have to be real careful and smart how you spend that money. Water is free inside the store from the faucet and you can eat plenty of 2 for $2 hotdogs. Don't plan on eating like a king or you'll find yourself out of money. Budget your daily spending. If you can bring money with you, the better off you are. Debit cards are better as you don't want a bunch of cash in your pocket. Don't be scared, odds of getting robbed is like getting hit by lightning.

Pack like you are backpacking to a camping trip and you'll be okay. When you get your own truck, then you can bring all the luxuries.

When you are on your own you still have to budget yourself carefully or you'll find small paychecks. Too many yahoos blow their money faster than they get it. There are alot of temptations out here and you just have to discipline yourself.

You'll always remember your training and your first year. Seeing the country the first time is awesome. You might want to bring a camera.

There is alot of stress out here. Don't let it get to you. You'll meet mean customers, 4 wheelers etc. Keep a cool, professional head at all times. A customer might make you sit all day. Don't get mad or the situation gets worse and you sit longer. Make the best of it and sleep or watch TV, etc. Everyday is a new day and them stressful moments disappear day to day. I see alot of new drivers fall into that trap, then they learn it's better to be quiet. Don't get me wrong, you'll meet many more good people, but bad days happen.

Have fun! Your new life is about to begin!

 

Wow, Condocruiser

your post was the best for new students like me leaving Saturday.

thanks

Rick

 

ok make sure you get a rewards fuel card so you can cash that bad boy in so you can eat for free, your trainer should give you one. remember most trainer get a bonus when you upgrade to driver so use that fact your our advantage ex. if i keep driving all these night shift I want a new trainer to get my bonus. and pull it over buddy we got time on this run i wanna relax today. do not give me any crap about we gotta get there so we can get another load....there plenty of freight out there lets go to the movies.

 

How To Have A Successful Trucking Career

Choosing to become a professional truck driver is a great career decision. The fact is truck driving is one of the fastest growing and most stable careers in America today. Starting a new career can be a little stressful. So if you wondering what it takes to be successful as a truck driver, we’ve outlined a few things you can do to guarantee your success.
Key #1 – The Right Attitude

Every career has its challenges. Having a good attitude can help you stay positive and not overreact. It will make you a more professional, safety conscious driver. The right attitude can help you earn more money and get more enjoyment from your career. The trucking companies in the Driver Solutions Network go the extra mile to help you succeed. The companies understand the job is new to you and they will work with you and offer support as you begin a new career.
Key #2 – Adjusting To Life On The Road

Making the adjustment to a trucking lifestyle is the second key to a successful career. Life on the road can be exciting. You’ll be traveling around the country and seeing new places. Every day can be a new adventure. The demands of the job are different from a traditional 9 to 5 job. During your first year as a truck driver, you’ll be learning to balance the demands of your new career with the demands of your family life. And the network trucking company’s experience can help make the transition smoother.
Key #3 – Stick With It

As with any job opportunity, there will be challenges to overcome. There is a huge benefit to stay with your company during the first 12 months of your career. It’s easy to think ‘the grass is greener on the other side’, but facts and statistics tell a different story. When a new driver remains committed to the trucking company for 12 months or more, that driver will make a lot more money during his career.
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"When you are on your own you still have to budget yourself carefully or you'll find small paychecks. Too many yahoos blow their money faster than they get it. There are alot of temptations out here and you just have to discipline yourself."

I must be getting tired. I read this and went #### no yo-hoo drinks.. that sucks LMAO guess its time to pull over

 

Pull over, You mean your typing while driving?

 

what companies do you recommend for the reward card?

any other free or cheap food ideas?

THANKS INADVANCE

 

Well, this was an entertaining thread for me. I'm pretty darn good at living out of a duffel bag, so that part should be old hat.

Clean clothes daily? HA! I don't even do that at home. Give 'em the smell test, and if my eyes don't water they're good!

I do take a shower every week, though, whether I need it or not!

Crazy, some of these youngsters sound like they think they're going off to college, not cross-country trucking!

 

Well I am going out with a trainer after Xmas. Are there any trainers that have a up to date list that they would recommend for their trainee to bring.

 

Diddo on this one