Packing List for Students

Hey, aren't netbooks really small? LOL Good point, gravdigr

 

I can say that the first couple of nights with a Refer are rough. But, believe it or not, the sound of the refer helps me get to sleep now.

 

i think you need to run for prez in 2012-you would keep things simple.

 

Make a list of what you think you will need, then cut it in half because you will not need it. There are plenty of sources available on the road. So carry only what you need to last 1 week. If for some reason you must exit, it is easier when everything fits into one medium carry-on bag.

When you have been out here awhile you will find that the stuff you want and the stuff you need are two different things.

Good luck!

 

Is merely locking the doors insufficient? Are "smash-n-grabs" problematic in trucking? How ought things be "secured?"

 

When should a newbie acquire the recommended stuff? Should they bring it with them when they head off to the company's in-house CDL-school (assuming that route of schooling) or afterwards? Getting the stuff afterwards (or during school) would depend, I suppose, on availability of transportation to the store from the training site.
Likewise, what about when a driver transitions from trainee to solo?
Also, once out on the road, how is stuff (toiletries, food, etc.) acquired? We can't just drive to the nearest Walgreens, Target, or supermarket, can we? Perhaps truckstops have some of the needed stuff, but what's the pricing like?!? Must we get our needed supplies during our time home and plan accordingly?!?
Thanks!
Ciao

 

It's been awhile since I read the thread but one thing that should be packed when you are done with school and go out on the road for training is at least one pair of long pants and a jacket, especially if you are pulling a refer. I just found this out the hard way by spending several hours in a refrigerated warehouse in shorts & t shirt.

 

Not really the forum for this question, but here goes. Smash n Grabs aren't usually a problem, but there have been several instances where a truck sitting in traffic on surface streets in ... well, sorry New York ... New York with the rear trailer doors unsecured. This particular driver was on a Excel meat load (so I am told) and had several cases stolen off the back of the truck before he noticed someone running down the sidewalk with a meat packing plant case on his shoulder. I don't know exactly how much was stolen, but he did loose his job.

Another situation was a breakdown. From what I heard it happened at the T/A in Laredo, TX a few years ago. A load of Televisions and other electronics were in a trailer that was dropped there so the truck could be worked on in the shop. The driver failed to put a kingpin lock on the trailer when he left it there. Another truck hooked his trailer and left. That driver did not loose his job because the T/A was supposed to have a secure lot at the time.

To be completely clear, I didn't witness these incidents, but they happened at the trucking company I started with ... according to their Safety department.

Some companies, including the one I worked for (Stevens), will issue the driver a Meat Lock (A massive locking device the secures the rear door on your trailer. As far as I know a king pin lock is on you. Both of these items will not be needed until you get your own truck so they're not really a Packing List for Students item, but all new drivers need to be aware of their surroundings. Don't get complacent and assume it won't happen to you. It's a definite CYA situation.

Off topic I know, just thought some knowledge would be helpful to those beginning their career in trucking. Eyes wide open sort of idea.

 

After packing a tuba, an 8-piece drum set, a Saint Bernard named Cujo and my living room couch, along with the lists provided here on this thread..... I think I'm ready to go out with my trainer!!

My only question would be as to how much cash money I should budget for?

 

Because of the very low pay that I get during training, I.am forced.to live on $50 a week. It's very hard to do but I'm doing it.

Just remember truck stop food ain't cheap! Try to budget at least $100 a week.