Checklist for when dispatched as a New Driver

Very important; you are no longer a 4-wheeler. You can no longer pass much of anything. Get used to driving more slowly. Don't speed down mountains, either.

 

Important addition to this, bring just enough cloths and personal care items that you can carry with you. If you have food, coolers and so on, that stuff you need to be prepared to leave in the truck when they fire you.

 

Get a pail and trash bags for those days where you park and no bathroom is available. And baby wipes.

 

I have the basic tool set. Wrench, screwdrivers, socket wrench, hammer, etc. So far that has done me well. At sole point I'll add power tools but it's not an immediate need.

 

You first gig you won't need many tools. The company dosent want drivers trying to fix anything. My first job they made us go to a shop to replace the windshield wipers. One tool to have is a decent sized hammer In case you have a frozen brake shoe. We learned that the hard way.

 

Go watch YouTube videos about replacing fuses. Every fuse panel has a diagram showing which fuse controls which circuit & what size amp fuse to use. Once you have a truck find the fuse panels & see what physical size like AT-4 .
You can buy a little box of fuses at Walmart A LOT CHEAPER than at a truckstop. Get a box of 20A for about $5, get a box for each amp/color. Don't buy the one box with several different Amp ratings. They are more expensive but only have one or two of the one you need.

 

I don't pay any extra for the "DUDE!!!11!!" marketing, I just get the regular ones from Walmart.

Mega carriers (including Swift) are known for treating drivers like just a number. But if you had done even 5 minutes of research on the Internet, you would have known this already.

The person you replied to makes a good point, which I hadn't considered. I try to be comfy when I am out there, but I also try to work at places that treat you like a human being.

Anyway, you are there now, just hang in as long as you can (ideally at least year), so it looks good on your resume.

No offense, but if you are the least bit mechanically inclined, you would already know the answer to this. If you are not, maybe don't worry about the tools.

This is for things like replacing a mud flap or other simple repairs. Some times the shop at the truck stop might take 3 hours to get to you, but if you have (or can borrow) some tools, you can do it yourself and be on your way.

 

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