Driver Essentials Packing List

As a company driver what do you pack to go OTR?

Starting from an empty cab what is on your checklist? Please list everything from fresh sheets to the tools you like to have on hand.

I have done local for years but never OTR. I think it would be helpful to new drivers and myself to know what to take with us to make OTR enjoyable and the job doable.

Thanks.

 

Good attitude and a willingness to learn.

 

1 week of clothes
Rain gear
Cold weather clothes & spikes for boots
10 days of food & 3-4 gallons of water
Paper plates & bowls, plastic cutlery
Electric cooler
Lunch box cooker
5th wheel pin puller
3 foot wrecking bar (crow bar)
Mini sledgehammer
Vise grips
Engine oil
Coolant
Sleeping bag & bedding
2 pair of boots
Toiletries
Paper towels
2 coffee cups
GPS
CB
Leather gloves
Passport/TWIC
First aid kit
2 flashlights
Air gauge

 

Here are some:

• Clothing for at least 7 days
• Winter clothing (sweater, beanie,...)
• Sleeping bag for winter emergencies
• Shower towel (in the rare occasion a shower room doesn’t provide them)
• Food (dry & refrigerated, if you can have a fridge)
• Food plates, cups, forks, spoons, butter knives, napkins
• Don’t buy stuff at truck stops. Plan a stop at a Walmart that allows truck parking. Use Trucker Path app.

 

Truck papers. Cab card etc....
Trailer reg.
Do not move the truck if you dont have the papers.

Truck and trailer must have proof of recent inspection.

The company you work for should provide you with:

load bars/straps
rubber hammer
tire tread depth checker
flat head screwdriver
blank log sheets
extra seals
etc...

if your Company doesnt provide these things refuse to move the truck.

 

Once I compile a good list I’ll edit my first post with it. Thanks for starting it off.

 

I forgot to add

Paper motor carrier road atlas
Cellphone & chargers

 

adding to list

extra phone charger
match
big fat candle for emergency

 

You want to be very, very careful using open fire inside the truck cab. I have done it myself, but the truth is your truck can catch fire if it’s not properly placed. Empty out a cabinet, and place the candles in it.

 

Yep, there's not much in the truck you can't start burning with a candle or propane stove. If you've ever spilled your coffee in the truck, you know things happen. Setting your truck on fire is hard to explain to the boss.