Advice please?

Food is the biggest expense. Focus on that until you receive your first paycheck.
Stock up on items such as Ramen Noodles and instant coffee from Dollar store or Walmart. Can use the microwave at truck stops for free and get hot water out of the coffee machine.
Showers are free when buying fuel; truck stops have their own policy on how much fuel you have to buy; maybe as little as 50 gallons.
I realize that's not healthy eating for the long term, but it'll do for a couple of weeks.

 

No matter how tough it gets do not fall into the pay advance or payday lender trap. Never take advances from your employer or loans against your pay check, both are bad news.

Shop at a discount grocery store, buy onto the essentials, things like peanut butter, fruits, nuts and other high energy content food that is healthy. It will suck being somewhat hungry and eating an unusual diet but it is inexpensive and better for you than trying to survive off the dollar menu at McDonalds.

Buy a gallon of water while you are at the store, water is all you need to drink, it gets boring but will keep you hydrated and alive. Refrain from refilling that jug at the tap, too many different bacteria across the country so it could upset your stomach. Instead keep buying gallon jugs, they are usually a dollar or less, much better than a single bottle at the truck stop.

It will come down to extreme discipline with what little money you can scrap up. If you have time before you head out look around your home and sell off a few hundred dollars of extra stuff, have a quick garage sale or post stuff online. It is amazing how much extra stuff we have that is not needed that is easily turned into cash quickly.

Best wishes and keep your head up high. Struggle makes us stronger in the end, I am speaking from experience. I am comfortable now but it wasn't always that way. I have been one step from bankruptcy, living out of my truck with no money in my pocket or the bank. It sucks but is only temporary and it is amazing how much we can sacrifice if there is an end in sight or a worthwhile goal.

 

Can't you get a trip advance?

 

.....or do like @x1Heavy and go to the cooked hot dogs, usually by the coffee machine; turn your back to the cashier to block the view, then scarf down a couple of hot dogs.

 

A loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter for $5.
Also, you are not burning many calories driving so you don't need to eat as much.

 

Sam's Club is good for that also.

 

There is no free lunch, that's what charge cards are for,,,

 

Tuna, crackers, case of water - loaf of bread, peanut butter . . .

Been there - you'd be surprised how little you can spend on sustaining your body when times are rough.

I lost 35 odd pounds my first 2 months of driving.

 

My old co-driver did that the whole time we drove together, One Year. Everytime we got fuel, he got an advance. He dint have but two bills, cell fone, and his truck school payment. But managed to blow his whole check on stuff like truck stop trinkets and other junk. I think he;s still doing it lol -