Question from new driver

The simple leather gloves work fine. They do wear out quick tho, from sweating in them then drying out and such...but mine usually last me a good couple months before they start getting holes in them.

dont forget a hammer and nails too. sometimes you gotta nail your own blocks into your dunnage on pipe loads.

 

Crow bar(flatbedder)
flip flops(showers)
baby wipes(many uses-especially restroom)
air freshner(inside of tractor)

 

I have been to a few places that claim to require steel toes, but have never been questioned when I am already wearing sturdy looking workboots. I don't like the insulated ones though. If you are going to be outside all day in sub zero, then fine, but for loading and unloading for a couple hours, regular boots are fine and hop back in the truck with the floor vents on.

I dont' get in a truck without a 4 lb hammer to thump tires, loosen frozen brakes, pound or bust off nails, protect myself if need be, etc... also a pair of pliers, a 4 way screwdriver, pocket knife (to spread trailer plug pins or electrical repair), electric tape, tire plug kit, tire guage, glad hand seals, WD-40 or some other type of lube if you are going to have ratchet binders, raincoat, you will need reflective safety vest, hardhat, and glasses, but your company may provide. Lots of pens, little pocket notebooks. some of the stuff off the top of my head. Of course you can buy all this stuff at truckstops for exorbitant prices later too.

 

For doing laundry, those new little detergent "pillows" work great, just toss a handful in a baggie to take with. You use one per load in the washer.

For showers, a pair of rubber flip-flops. Your own washcloth and/or towel, if you prefer. Some sort of backpack or totebag to take your toiletries and clean clothes into the shower.

A tiny little toiletry bag if you're inclined to brush your teeth/wash your face in the men's room in the morning. Do the guys do that? Us gals do.

If you can't stand getting your clothes filthy, a pair of overalls for loading, especially if you'll be tarping. Or a pair of jeans/shirt reserved just for those days. And you change into clean jeans afterward.

A few extra socks, nothing worse than loading/unloading in the rain, and not being able to get dry socks on after.

Got a smartphone with data access? Email and texting on your phone when you're not driving works great for keeping in touch with family & easing the initial loneliness away from home.

good luck!

 

A good rain jacket....one that won't make you sweat why you wear it

 

Laundry bag.

Once in awhile I forget mine and it drives me crazy!

 

I do that as well. I now have several laundry bags sitting at home since I wind up buying a new one every time I forget it. At least I have a stockpile if they ever wear out lol

 

The long bus ride. Hate every second of it. I had 1 dufflebag I carried (travel light as you can). 3 pairs of jeans, a pack of teeshirts, a sweatshirt, and my Carhardt coat. Had to do a securement test in the winter, outside, in Minnesota. This is why I told you to go with the insulated boots (and gloves) because winter is coming along. Pennsylvania gets effin cold too. If you have to do a tiedown class outdoors in cold weather, you will suffer...especially if your gloves get wet. The hooded sweatshirt will keep the wind off your neck. Those tiedown classes can last a few hours, normally longer than what it takes to secure a load. So be sure to have the gear you need to stand outside all day. BTW, if you fail the securement test, they are going give you a busride back to the house, so do your best and be sure to eat something to keep you going.

And be sure to bring a commercial vehicle road atlas and a CB. You will need that CB to load at certain steel mills. As soon as they give you your rig, if you have the funds, go to WalMart. Buy a ladder, your hammer and nails, two good blankets, and a big roll of duct tape.

 

PGT hires guys with no experience?


Don't forget Kevlar jock strap for AK Steel.