Hello all, just started OTR recently. My trainer ,didn't train well. That's another topic. So with my researching and what not ,I have made a list of items that will be useful for going OTR. Amazon is your best friend,as truck stops are expensive and don't have all the items needed. 1.Rain-coat/parka.Yes even when not flatbed,you'll sometimes have to be outside when it's pouring out. Fortunately we only ran into light rain once,but even then I needed to adjust something out in that which made me sticky and wet. Portwest Classic Rain Jacket, Small to XXL, 3 colours - Yellow - M at Amazon Men’s Clothing store: Outerwear 2.Load Locks. Sometimes your company won't have these. And sometimes your trailer will be only half loaded. Better safe than sorry. Amazon.com: Round Tube Adjustable Load Bar / Cargo Bar with 2''X4'' Pads - Extends from 89.75" to 104.5" - Great for Interior Van Trailers and Semi Trailers: Automotive 3.A Motor Carrier Atlas. Yes ,GPS won't always work or give you the best routes,so this will come in handy. Rand McNally 2017 Motor Carriers' Road Atlas (Rand Mcnally Motor Carriers' Road Atlas): Rand McNally: 0070609015712: Amazon.com: Books 4.Bluetooth headset. My trainer loved using a handheld. Wait till the DOT gets him. Bluetooth , Amazon.com: TOORUN M26 Bluetooth Headset V4.1 with Noise Cancelling Mic - Blue: Cell Phones & Accessories 5.Cell phone holder. Your cell phone is also a partner on this Journey. Apps for truck stop locations, Electronic log apps,even a dash cam app if your a good enough driver and don't want any false accusations. Amazon.com: cell phone holder 6.Headlight . LED. The one that goes on your head while your Pre-tripping at night or what not. Wsky 6000 LM LED Headlamp Flashlight - Super Bright Headlamp - 3 Light 4 Modes, CREE XM, L 3T6 Lampwick, Best for Camping Biking Hunting Fishing Outdoor - - Amazon.com 7.Bungee cords. Come in handy for holding things down and what not. Amazon.com: bungee cords 8.Zip ties. Yes plastic on the truck can break. Mirrors,cabinets,whatever the case may be. Sometimes zip ties are more handy than bungee cords when it comes to this. https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=heavy+duty+zip+ties&rh=i:aps,k:heavy+duty+zip+ties 9.Binder with pockets. All your paperwork,logs,or whatever else. One that zips is perfect. Amazon.com : Case-it Executive Zippered Padfolio with Removable 3-Ring Binder and Letter Size Writing Pad, Black, PAD-40 : Portfolio Binder : Office Products There are cheaper ones,but this one is awesome. 10.Tools. I wont link all these,but tools will come in handy. Wire cutters,butt connectors,hammer,torx bits,hand held flashlight, electrical tape,socket set,channel locks,as well as heavy duty gloves and latex gloves. Better to keep moving than sit over something that can be fixed fairly easily. 11.Cleaning,armor all wipes,lysol wipes,windshield washer fluid,shop towels as well as a good glass cleaner. Keep that truck clean so the DOT will not notice you (as much at least) 12. Tire thread gauge. What if your legal but the DOT wants to argue? Or you want to know exactly where your tires are at. Amazon.com: Godeson 88702 Smart Color Coded Tire Tread Depth Gauge: Automotive 13.Tire air pressure gauge. Granted truck stops have a tire inflation area,it's always good to have one when your not at a truck stop to check your pressures. Amazon.com: Interstate Pneumatics TG2335 2 Inch 0-160 PSI Tapered Angle Chuck Dial Pressure Gauge: Automotive 14. If your company truck don't have one,cb radio. Truckers ahead will notify others on channel 19 if there is a problem ahead . https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=CB+Radio 15.Cooler. If your truck don't have a fridge,a portable cooler will come in handy if you don't want subway or mcdonalds every day. My truck has a fridge thank goodness as I don't eat fast food. Amazon.com: Electric cooler 16. Now truck items such as fuses,tail light housings,wheel chocks . Not completely necessary(well chocks are) but doesn't hurt to have a few bulbs on hand or what ever else. All that will vary based on truck . All of these items will cost less than 500 bucks if bought online and that's on the high end. Some guys spend more eating out in a month than that. My list does not consist of the other items like food and toiletries as there is another thread on here for that stuff. Another note,Amazon offers credit cards with points back,so this stuff can come out cheaper plus sometimes with 0 percent interest. Also,if your needing something now,download the Amazon App and scan that item at Wal-Mart or wherever. If it's cheaper on amazon,but I need it now,I buy it at Wal-Mart and return it when the one I ordered on Amazon comes in the mail. YES IM CHEAP!!!! Good Luck out there.
