Should I bring tools with me?

I carry a pretty good craftsmen set, it comes in handy quite a bit, just this Friday as I got on to 10 headed in to Jax an oring on my PTO lever(I pull end dump) blew out, causing an air line, behind the dash that controls the raise and lower function of the trailer, to also blow out. By the time our mechanic showed up an hour later I had it buttoned back up and was putting the dash back together, I try my best to fix it if I can, I’ll call it in and get someone headed my way, but if my shop can talk me through it and save some time, I’m all about breaking out the tools.

 

My dad, but he's dead so no help, and he did that in a chevron parking lot once.

 

Your company must buy cheap mudflaps. In the 3+ years I worked for J.B. Hunt, I never once had a trailer with a missing mudflap. Considering the experience level of J.B. drivers and lot-jockeys at many shipper lots, you would THINK they would have a lot of torn mudflaps, but they didn't....

 

The best thing I can tell you, grasshopper. After you get issued your own ride, you will know. Take a full load of common sense. If you go skateboard, don't be afraid to ask, also over securement never got anyone hurt.

By the time you finish training you will know. and you can pick stuff up on the road, try not to buy the cheep junk tools at the truckstop, buy your cheep junk from Harbor Freight.

Over the years I have left plenty of stuff to other driver when leaving companies. When I left Heartland I gave a 30"
flatscreen to a driver whom did not have a tv, along with a Husky toolset from Lowes and a 48" stepladder. just easier than dealing with them in a rental car.

 

I bring cheap tools on the truck I can walk away from most of the items I carry if needed. Only items of value to me are the Milwaukee 3/8 impact and Drill plus my Snap On 3/8 socket sets sae. and metric. I also have a cheap mini sledge for tires a waterproof spot light from Wally World and a cheap HF electric kit and a test light.

My thoughts are if it’s something quick and easy I will take care of it instead of waiting around for a service call.

 

Congrats on the TMC offer, that’s awesome!
Flatbedding is a great gig. When it comes to tools, I usually keep it simple and only bring the basics that you will actually use on the road. Power tools can be helpful, but some companies have rules about what you can bring. It is definitely a good idea to check with your recruiter to avoid any surprises.

In the meantime, try asking other drivers who have been through TMC because they usually have the best tips.
Good luck clearing out your place and getting ready for the road. You are about to start a pretty exciting chapter!

 

OP is talking about open deck and tools. You are going offf your JB experience. Swing and miss.

 

It's been my experience after watching many drivers lose a medflap is that they get torn off after the driver backs up over a curb. Depending on the age of the bracket and how it's designed afterward, it's not so easy to "just" reattach one. I would also add another topic I forgot to mention before. A good, well-built visegrip.

I also took note of some of the comments about giving things away. When I cleaned out my last tractor back in Dec 2012 I took my bed items, my briefcase, and laptop case along with my 3-in-1 printer. A duffle full of clothes and a small cardboard box full of movies and other media. I also had some handtools and my "thumper." It took me 3 trips to my pickup, and I left Atlanta. Oh, I also took my shaving kit along with my meds. I left my old CB in the truck.

 

Winner. Depending on the trailer and the length of the mud flap determines how often mudflaps get ripped off. It’s worlds more common on certain step decks and RGNs. RGNs have the rear axle right at the ICC bumper. Back into a curb, deep gravel or mud, mud flap is gone. And because of the wheel position and the ICC bumper, it is much more difficult to replace, but DIY is still the fastest way to go.

 

Same for tankers the curb will yank them off as well as a tire blow out I have a couple of mud flaps I find in the parking lot at the terminal I just slide them up and tighten the bolts back down.