Getting back into trucking

I dont blame ya 1 day off for every 14 not many will

 

I wouldn't worry about a fridge at first. Just get a decent cooler and keep stuff on ice. Have you still got your maps and such? Those you most likely need to replace with newer ones. The nervousness is normal, and it will pass. Hell, if I was able to get my cdl being as nervous as I was, you will do fine getting back into it. That, and most likely you will have to go out with a trainer again regardless of who you decide to work for.

 

try and settle down ( i know its easy to say) you have the experience behind you, and will settle back in pretty quick. good luck, be safe

 

Get yourself a CB radio, a plug in (cigarette lighter) cooler...no ice needed and a GPS. The GPS doesn't have to be a "Trucker Special". You can get a Tom Tom at Best Buy for under $150.00 and it works great. Don't worry about driving a sleeper, you'll get used to it real quick.
If you left your last driving job because you were working 6-7 days a week, then be prepared to do the same as an OTR driver. Most OTR companies require you to be out 2 weeks/home 2 days.
I hope everything works out for you. Good luck.

 

Get the Rand Mcnally GPS from Diesel Bear,for $350,it come with a book of truckstops and a cool pen that lights up for writing in the dark. You can run logs on it and it has speed alert,even lets you know when the speed zone is changing before you enter it.Money well spent,built for and constantly updated by truckers.

 

ya i am the same way i found myself having to get behine the wheel of a truck again, and yes i will have to go out with a trainer,that sucks but i guess thats what i have to do, as far as aa sleeper you will be fine try and get a condo and a frig, and make sure you have a cb and maps, good luck to you,

 

I think your getting ahead of yourself, would do some research 1st on what company you go with, most likley have to go with a trainer anyway youl get used to the sleeper truck quickley backing with mirrors will come back quick. alot of companies will want you to take a refresher course. when done training & get your truck should get load home for time off & equip, your tractor. I stress do your research!!!!!!!!!! hope this helps & your sucessfull,

 

1) I phone for gps, maps, text, email. and anything else the computer does. Take pictures and attach them to emails for fax. Or get the fax app. Get a charger from i store or radio shack store. The chargers at the truck stops burn your batteries up. They don't charge right. Made in China junk. Did I mention I hate made in china garbage? Don't buy anything at the truck stops thats made in china. You will regret it!

2)CB for when your out in the middle of no were and no cell signal. It can save your life. Some decent antennas. Buy them at a cb shop or radio shack. You will pay double at truck stops.

3)Inverter for plug in needs. Go to marine stores or on line thru marine stores for those. The ones at truck stops are garbage. BTW don't by anything from truck stops. Its all made in china junk that WILL break quick.

3)A small plug in cooler can also be had at the marine or camping stores. Dont cheap out cause you will regret it later.

4)Clean sheets and plenty of clothes will make your life comfortable. I bag my cothes in safeway grocery bags I have left over from shopping. Example: I do a days clothes under ware, under shirt, over shirt, pants and socks. with a sweat shirt during winter months. It all fits in one bag if folded nice. This way you know you grab a bag and you got all you need to change after shower.

5)Extra towels. NEVER use towels at the truck stop for other then laying on the floor to walk on.

6)Flip flops for shower. NEVER walk bear foot on truck stop shower floors. Yeats infections, ring worm, and several other infections are very common. But also very preventable if you take precautions like the ones I listed.

7)Have some vitamins with you. An all in one bag from costco for 40 bucks comes with about 10 in a bag and 100 bags in a box. Take one bag a day and this helps your body deal with truck stop foods and you sitting all day.

8)Thick sleeping bag. Don't go cheap. You will regret it. I paid 250 for my bag and been stuck in Montana during snow storms and truck would fire up. Had to sleep in the truck. No were else but trees LOL It saved my ### LOL. Don't go cheap on sleeping bag. Get it from the camping stores not some made in china garbage form wally world.

9)LARGE flashlight. Get it from hardware store for 20-40 bucks. Extra batteries. They are spendy at truck stops.

10)Leather gloves. I get mine from costco for 12 bucks a set of three. Last for ever.

11)Weather proof boots. Don't go cheap. Check the site here. There is a good thread about boots and gloves going hot now.


I always have 10 days of clean clothes set up in bags like I said above. A big ### coffee mug, flash light, my tools (different subject if you wanna know ask) good boots and sneakers for comfort sometimes, and extra heavy jacket, vitamins and protein powder I also drink, and my sirus radio for entertainment.
I can go on for hours but will spare you.

Point is, be prepared and make your self comfortable. Don't live like a bum. You will burn out on that and be looking to leave again. Make yourself comfortable and happy. This will help you deal with all the other stress in this industry.

And before I forget a good randy mcnally updated book for when you have no signal on i phone map.