Sources for goodies

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Commuter69, Jul 14, 2015.

  1. Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

    1,133
    625
    Jul 2, 2014
    0
    In many industries, there are online and print catalogs for things that are specific to that industry.

    Is there a good source for 'Driver Goodies' where we can order supplies, whether they be required necessities, or things that make things easier?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Wild Murphy

    Wild Murphy HAPPY TRUCK DRIVER

    942
    779
    Mar 25, 2014
    0
    Iowa80.com
    Raneys.com
    Jcwhitney.com
    Roadpro.com
    Amazon.com
     
    Commuter69 Thanks this.
  4. Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

    1,133
    625
    Jul 2, 2014
    0
    The Roadpro site was hacked??? WTH??? This is the screen shot of what comes up...

    upload_2015-7-14_10-22-14.png
     
  5. Swedish Chef

    Swedish Chef Heavy Load Member

    781
    1,762
    Apr 30, 2013
    Charlotte, NC
    0
  6. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

    6,257
    4,365
    Oct 23, 2005
    Vegas/Jersey
    0
    The best list you can get is the driver that's training you or in the terminal. Don't worry about any fancy stuff until later. What I've told new drivers is get all the necessities that will keep you going down the road to do your job. Later on you can have all the goodies you want but I would stay lean for now. There's plenty of list on this site so I suggest you go there. You want things like spare items that if the one you're using now breaks. Flashlights, batteries, spare light bulbs if your truck using them and if they don't ask the mechanic from your shop if you could have a couple, If you wear glasses then carry a spare, an extra set of gloves, the little green handbook from the FMCSA, extra logs if you use them, just any thing you can think of that would keep you going.

    I think the best lists for new drivers are the ones that talk about tools, paperwork, and any item that helps you do your job. I hit a surprised inspection station in Bullhead AZ once and the inspectors were very new and didn't know all that much. I got inspected and the one inspector thought he had me on some item. I pulled out the little green handbook and showed him I was cleared and then they ask me if they could borrow my book. Also there was a big company (I forget which one) that was put OOS for a light bulb. The driver ask if he could drive to the truck stop and fix and they told him you fix it before you move. I thought these inspectors had no idea what they are doing. So I go over to the driver that is OOS for a small light bulb and he's almost in tears. I told him I have one and he couldn't believe it. I gave him the light bulb and said that will be $20. He was getting his wallet out and I was laughing and told him it's free on the house. But can you imagine sitting at a temporary inspection station because of a small light bulb. He would have spent hours running that light down or getting someone there for the LEO's that would know the regs.
     
    Canned Spam and Mudguppy Thank this.
  7. Oldman49

    Oldman49 Medium Load Member

    353
    299
    Jul 20, 2014
    0
    Most good companies will supply a bulb and fuse kit for specific models of trucks. Smart drivers will also pick up spare trailer tail lite pigtail sockets, acorn lenses too. Headlights should include high and low beams..
    I think the DOT requires a fuse kit,,,can't remember.
    Also spare fuel filter,and anti gel if required.

    Instead of catalogs visit a chrome shop, ( not the back isle at the Pilot,,( except the Pilot at Bosselmans in DesMoines in the basement ),but a real chrome shop. You can check the quality and price. Use your loyalty points too. One of the best investments I think I made was for a neon safety vest. Don't think twice about wearing it at shippers/recvrs. Good luck...
     
  8. Mudguppy

    Mudguppy Degenerate Immoralist

    1,657
    4,064
    Apr 28, 2014
    Wooley Swamp
    0
    Spot on driver! It still blows my mind how so many drivers don't even carry so much as a spare fuse, a ziptie (or 20) or anything else to make a qick fix and keep rolling/earning a living. Even as a "local" heavy haul driver, I have a small duffle bag in my daycab with all sorts of supplies. A few I can think of you didn't mention-
    A business card with about 15'-20' of Gorilla tape wrapped around it (packs smaller than a whole roll)
    Several different lengths/diameters of zipties
    Replacement rubber plugs for trailer hubs (they tend to dry rot and leak after awhile)
    Several gladhand gaskets
    Spare gladhand ( I have one of each color, but you can get a silver "universal" one)
    Spare trailer pigtail plug
    Several different lengths and diameters of bolts, nuts, washers, and lockwashers
    fuse and electrical connector repair kit
    Separate tool box

    There's more, but it's late and I can't think of anything right now....LOL

    *Disclaimer*- Many items I listed should only be used in a repair if you know how/what you're doing. If in doubt, it's better to call your company's road service dept......
     
  9. Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

    1,133
    625
    Jul 2, 2014
    0
    What I was thinking was more along the lines of future purchases anyway.

    For the short term, I should make sure I have at least:

    Working flashlight with spare batteries if not rechargeable.
    Work gloves (2 pair)
    Fuse kit
    Light bulb set
    Glad hand seals
    Log book(in case electronic devices fail)
    DVIR / pre trip sheets
    Atlas(in case electronic devices fail)
    First aid kit
    Jumper cables
    Tire pressure gauge
    Tread depth gauge
    Reflective vest
    Reflective triangles
    Red chem-lights
    Pens/pencils/calculator/clipboard
    Disposable or digital camera (for collision / damage documentation)
    DMV accident report forms
    Trash bags
    Leatherman type tool.

    Anything else I should ask for and carry?
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2015
  10. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

    14,963
    29,154
    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
    0
    Some of those items will be supplied to you by the carrier once you get assigned your own truck.

    Honestly, if you can't find what you want at any decent truck stop, you probably don't need it.
     
  11. Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

    1,133
    625
    Jul 2, 2014
    0
    Although I don't talk about it much because I disagree with the policy currently in place within the Boy Scouts Of America about gay leaders, I AM an old Boy Scout and like to "Be Prepared" lol


    Besides, knowing my luck, I'd need something and not be anywhere near a truck stop....
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.