Things to have when going solo

i had actually had that happen (to my ex-co driver) decades ago, when i was with NAVL (north american van lines), and we were at the "fort", Fort Wayne, IN.

he had to jump on a bus and head for St. Louis for his truck.

but he packed rather lightly, with a duffel bag.

 

I changed trucks several times in my first six months, I got pretty good at making the move. I still travel with more stuff than I strictly need, I spend 5-6 days a week in the truck, and I don’t feel like going without.

 

the thing is, that no matter how good any company can be, one can be fired on the spot, or sadly like hundreds of drivers experiencing of late, a company shut down, with fuel cards shut off as well.

traveling light (to me) is the best way to go. sleeping bag, clothing to fit into ONE duffel bag or soft sided suitcase, and maybe one other soft sided suitcase for your coat, jacket boots (if you take along a spare pair).

some gys take, tv's, video games, laptops, and a wide array of appliances, as they buy them along the way while trucking. that's all well in good, if the company is stable, but hey, NO ONE in the company is going to tell you the company is going under, or that you will be fired...it happens in a New York minute..

the only basic guarantee of keeping your stuff, is if you owned the truck, NOT A LEASE, as that can be towed away.

it's tough, we all want "some comforts" of a home away from home, but the dark, harsh reality of it is that nothing is stamped with a guarantee anymore.

other than say a local gig, work, then home, daily (or nightly)

 

and this is why we hear so many calls for help, in getting home.....no credit card(s), or none with a near 0 balance.

 

Renting a u-haul van might be doable as well, not a box truck, just a van. They tend to be a bit less picky than other rental vehicle companies about taking debit cards, I think. If you have a sleeping bag and some extra clothes, sleeping in the van might even be possible as well, if hotel rooms are out of budget, or not available.

 

i think the rental situation, depends on the company, and thier policies.

like many others, i too have a debit card, so it is quick cash.

however, i have been told (very politely) that a credit card and the age of 26 is mandatory....

well, i have credits cards, and i ain't been 26 in like 100 years now...so i passed those requirements.

i think (although i cannot confirm) credit cards are required for additional charges, that you signed for at the time of pick up, (like damages, cleaning, late charges, added days of rental and most importantly, recovery if you fail to take it back, as they can always back charge the banks that issued them).

debit cards, are a one time, approval for the purchase, and require additional approvals for add on's.

i seem to recall being told something along those lines, decades ago. when i had to rent cars, pick up trucks, vans.