As a trainer here at Arnold, I advise a decent size duffel bag and a backpack. The most clothes you can fit, sleeping materials, bathing material and important documents. When students get dropped at a terminal for upgrade, you could be bussed into anywhere USA for a truck. You need to be able to travel without extra accommodation.
I appreciate that, I guess the other question would be should I pack food or wait til I get on the road and get something then? And should I pack laundry detergent?
Yes to laundry soap. Hopefully you can wash while at a yard. It's always good to have grub on hand. Way cheaper & healthier than truckstop chow. canned soup/chile heats up on the engine just fine. fresh fruit, nuts, microwave popcorn for snacks. I like to use tortillas and pitas to make a meal with tuna/chicken/egg salad.
I don't drive for Arnold but a trainer is a trainer and trk is a trk.You trainer has limited space so keep that in mind.Whatever you bring,do not over pack.I would wait on the food till you get your own trk or bring very little food.
Things have been a little bit better. I finished up my last student and removed myself from the training program. I truly enjoy my space to myself. I was 2/2 with students so I prefer to leave the program a winner lol. But anyway, sitting in Reddick, FL for the night. Getting up at 630 am and heading home. Already have a preplan for Monday morning. Heres my miles this past week.
That's a good week man. Arnold is on my short list. Do you have to go on home time under a load or will they let you bobtail?
Unless you live super close to a terminal they probably won't let you bobtail. You'll either be loaded or empty. Most of the time you will be empty.
Things have slowly been picking up. I'm on a 34 In MT Vernon, IL. Did 3200 miles since I left home last week. I got a 1200 mile trip over the weekend after I requested it (asked to go west) so they put me on a load from Williamsburg, VA to ST Joseph, MO We will see how things keep going. I'd say overall the miles improved, daytime dispatch and planning do Ok but the incompetence of nights and weekends really get to me.
