Packing List for Students

Also buy a small first aid kit and dont laugh too hard now, i live in the north, were there's lot's snow and ice, so buy a cheap bottle of hand lotion, you can't belive how fast your hand's dry out and crack and bleed , becuse of snow and ice and very hard on hand's, and get pair of waterproof gloves for that, its very painfull too drive that way.

 

I was reading Roehls packing idea list in one of the PDFs they sent for the orientation / training and it was identical to the very first. (With a few other things added). Really helped me prepare.

 

I just completed 5 weeks of training OTR. Talk to your company and trainer on how many days you will be out versus home time. That will depend on how many items to bring ( the minimum items the better)
I drove everyday during training. It's silly to bring a ton of clothes. I got by with a shirt going 2 days, same with pants. Underwear and socks everyday. Had one long sleeve shirt and one jacket.

I used Water less shampoo and Soap (you need a towel or rag to wipe off), also cleaning wipes (i had a pack used for babies, worked great), that kept me somewhat clean throughout the training.

You will be sitting for long periods of time, so be prepared (I covered about 600 miles/day). At the end of the day I was darn tired, and fell asleep quickly. I had a book to read. No use for electronics for me, except my cell phone and charger. (my trainer let me use his inverter for that)

I would get up a half hour before my trainer and go outside to clean up, we parked either at truck stops or rest stops so, a bathroom was close by.

Be Honest with your trainer, do not stay silent. Be Friendly. That will open up so many doors.

I can not stress this enough. depending on where you spend your resets will determine how many clothes to bring. We were out 7-10 days a time. Sometimes a tee shirt lasted for 2-3 days.
ALSO, you might have to keep you items in your bag, and only have a twin bed to sleep on, and sleep with your bag. It is your trainers truck, so extra space could be at a minimum.

I do not want to discourage any of you. I am so excited to get my own rig now and start my journey to build experience.

 

Thanks for the short list it helps me in the other journey also.

 

If it dont fit in a carry on you dont need it. Leave everything but the absolute essrntials at home.

 

ok

I am leaving in 10 days for training

here is my list

Duffel bag
10 t shirts
2 jeans
10 boxers
4 socks
razor
deodorant
toothbrush
soap box
scissors
gloves
winter coat
light coat
flip flops
winter gloves
sweatshirt

laptop bag
lap top
phone charger
lap top charger
mp3 and charger
5 subject notebook
pens
calculator

sleeping bag and pillow

do i need
alarm clock/travel alarm
flashlight

 

flashlight yes small compact one for checking fith wheel and stuff a clip on for belt is a good choice

 

I packed light and my trainer was surprised. I had the following.

two pairs of jeans
4 tshirts
hoodie and jacket (we do reefer, so have to be in cold warehouses sometimes)
Extra pair of shoes, just in case.
laptop and charger
cell phone and charger.
Basic bedding. Pillow, sheet, blanket and bedroll for underneath. I took the top bunk so it was all good.
Pens, notebook for the obvious.
Gloves

Things I grabbed while out with trainer....

My own tornado fan. He had one, so I bought my own to help with the heat of being on the top bunk while stopped. This helped us to sleep comfortably and not have to idle every night... though we always idled at night if it was too hot to get proper rest!

Found out we had a large Coleman cooler, so I stocked up on sandwich stuff and drinks and snacks. Since my trainer shared his stuff with me, I made sure to buy plenty of stuff. My trainer also bought me a meal for my first day and for my last day. We had a really good time. I got lucky. We never had a hard time being stuck together in the truck, but I am thrilled to be solo!

Bring an open mind. Speak up when you have questions.

IF YOU CAN... talk to your trainer prior to meeting. Ask if you can bring food items and what kind of arrangements he has.

Remember, minimize... you can go ape with crap you want for yourself once you get your own truck. It will come before you know it!

 

I forgot...

I brought a very small pouch with quarters. I always pay in bills so I can aquire quarters for laundry.

I also have a very small bag with my bathroom stuff.

Wet wipes... you know... the alternative to toilet paper.
Old Spice 3 in 1. Shampoo/bodywash/conditioner... it's really good!
Razor
Shave cream
Small bottle from dollar store full of laundry soap (lasts a few months! Refill when you go home off the big bottle!)
Hairbrush
Face cleaner and cotton balls for those hot days.

It sounds like a lot, but I could fit all of my stuff in one little spot in the truck my trainer had.

Now that I've had my own truck a while, I have so much crap floating around... you'll be there soon! Good luck!

 

yes bring this with you if they give you a old dirty truck
Get Rid of Bed Bugs With Natural Sprays, Repellents & Laundry Additives http://www.usbedbugs.com/Sprays-Repellents_c_188.html?gclid=CJOJgJyDkqwCFQjc4AodFz-BnA

some of the terminal may also have bed bugs.
I remember they had bed bugs in one of are terminals and they had to throw out all the old chair, drivers would sit then get all itchy.
turned out these old chairs were loaded with bed bugs