Tools of the trade

You’re a company driver?

Missing mud flaps will probably be your most common obstacle. You need a tool set with sockets and wrenches, a box cutter,and wire cutter/crimper.

 

Add heavy duty jumper cables and a bag of kitty litter if you run up north.

 

A small set of end wrenches and sockets. Screwdrivers, wire cutters and wiring connectors, and a test light.
No use changing a light or bulb if there's no power there.

 

A roll of grey duct tape with white background.
this fixes everything

 

I carried a couple of old used mudflaps and bolts with lock washers or self locking nut. It's easier to do it yourself than have a truck stop shop do it or get permission from your company to buy one.
I kept a couple of old ones I found at truck stops where drivers backed into a curb or mud and ripped them off. When I was home I'd cut them to the correct size and drill holes for the bolts.
Probably seems eccentric, but saved me lots of problems in the long run.
Edit: sometimes you'll have to hook to a trailer, then see it needs a mudflap, so if you're prepared, just hook and go and fix it later or fix it right now. No need to lose time waiting for road repair or complaining to the dispatcher how the driver that dropped the trailer didn't report it.

 

A few sets of gloves, flashlight, LED light that straps to your head (great for night pre tripping), small toolbox with basic screwdrivers/wrenches/sockets you can get at Lowe's or home Depot (I think mine was like $150, obviously can't do everything but need to change lights, gladhands, etc and you are good), blue paper towels, rainx glass cleaner, air pressure gauge for tires, small 5 lb sledgehammer. Ready for the one you will need the most and nobody ever has.......PENS lol...lots of pens. That is what I like in the truck with me as a local/linehaul guy so I imagine there is more that you would need otr but it's a start.

 

Box monkey. They can really save some time.

 

I would invest in a security system.

 

4 pound mallet.

If it don't fix it, it'll break it enough so that you don't have to worry about it.