How much clothes should I bring (noob question)

Well that guy is going back to school to be a doctor...lol

 

Haha agreed

 

It kind of depends on how long you plan on wearing your clothes. It's cold weather now, so you can wear them longer than if you're sweating in the heat in So. Carolina or Weslaco. Also, if you're setting out on a run directly after training, just bring the whole outfit. Cold weather gear is a must: insulated coveralls, winter gloves, insulated boots, warm socks, wool hat. Believe me, if you go up north, it gets cold and stuff happens. I was in Fargo a few winters ago, for example, -40, 50mph wind from the north. Incredibly cold, like the wind was peeling the skin off my face. My bunk heater had a malfunction. Idling engine, "exhaust filter full" shutdown. I fired back up and drove around for a while (in blizzard conditions) to clear the exhaust filter. I survived with mild discomfort and not much sleep, but it gets that bad, or worse, so that's what I mean by bring cold weather gear. If you get shut down in that kind of weather, it could get really nasty for you. Other than that, a few outfits and a clean pair of socks every couple of days. You'll have access to laundry resource. Best!

 

I would say two bags are good. Whatever you can fit on a twin bed and still have room to sleep.

 

8 underwear, 8 socks, 8 undershirts, 5 pair of jeans, 6 shirts, 1 sweater, one parka (it's winter) and a warm pair of water-resistant work gloves + 1 pair of boots and a pair of insulated slippers for driving. It will all fit in a medium duffel. Add a backpack with your laptop, long-form DOT card, envelopes, paper and stamps for paying bills, a cell-phine charger, your kindle (buy one of you don't have one) and a SMALL bag with toiletries (including a towel).

It all fits in a upper bunk. Been there, done that.

 

Very good advice. You'll need a sleeping bag for sure and a pillow. Also a fitted sheet is good because many people have slept on that mattress. Some are twin XL and some are regular twin, call and ask which their trucks have. I prefer to sleep in "athletic shorts" so I could get out of the truck to use facilities without looking too ridiculous and they're comfortable. Maybe sweats for when in cold climates. Socks and underwear and tshirts are fairly small so have 5-7 days worth of these. Jeans and heavier shirts can all be worn multiple days so id say have 2-3 of each max. Clothes you can layer to stay warm are best and a winter weather resistant jacket and gloves hat and boots. You'll be with a trainer so no need to worry about every little thing. But things you usually need at home you will need on the road. I would never go out without Tylenol Tums Cold medicine etc. Oh and get a backpack or something to hold your stuff when you go to use showers and a laundry bag for dirty clothes. PS if you start having problems with your trainer and you cant work it out among yourselves call it in right away. Call it in right there in front of him if it cant be worked out. Dont wait till it gets to the point where you cant be in the same truck lol. That said I got along fine with my trainer but I can imagine it can be rough for some.

 

I started training at Swift in mid-May in 2013. I brought a computer bag, a medium duffle (with food), and a large duffle (with sleeping bag and clothes). That was about right for the amount of space I had in the truck. If you bring too much, then plan on sleeping with it in the top bunk. There is limited storage space in a truck.

Once you go solo you'll have lots of room. Bring at least enough to get you routed to your home terminal to get the rest of your gear, like tools and the like.

Since winter is coming on be sure to pack at least a very warm jacket and gloves, and have a good pair of winter boots. A knit cap is essential.

 

Don't be surprised if you have to go back home after orientation to wait for a trainer.

 

Swift has a new driver coordinator at the terminals that do orientation who will be your contact person . Do not put up with a mentor treating you like dirt for a minute . That said , they have been weeding out the losers .

Pack enough for a week in Montana in the winter . Make sure your mentor knows what you have so laundry time can be planned . Whatever you bring also needs to be lightweight and compact .

Remember whatever you bring you should be able to pick up and carry a quarter mile in a single trip with no help . If you can't do that you have too much . Next you need to stack it on a two foot square footprint which is about the size of the right seat where your stuff will be when parked .