I disagree about "needing" a Bluetooth. There is another option- simply wait until you are not driving to talk on the phone. Swift (as do many others) does forbid cell phone use while driving. Seems to be one of those rules like speed limits and underage drinking that so many think doesn't apply to them.
Windex squirt bottle. When it goes empty keep refilling it with the window wash that is provided free at the terminals. Otherwise buy more window cleaner or PineSol or whatever your favorite cleaner is. Paper towels. When you feel the urge to purge, take one paper towel, fold in half, sqirt the top quadrant with the cleaner juice. Grab a few baby wipes and head into the head. use the paper towel on the toilet seat before you sit. Showers come about every other day on average, so baby wipes will keep you minty fresh til that shower. Walmart and other stores usually have those little washrags I call them, sold by the 10 pack. These are good for the sponge bath if your mentor is pushing too hard to stop for showers. Get it wet and step into a toilet stall for privacy and wipe your stinky parts. Use another fresh one to dry off. Fresh socks, underwear, shirt and a shave no one would know you didn't take a full on shower. Sometimes you can find those 'family' bathrooms with the locking door so it makes it easier. Find out if your mentor has a fridge. If so, bring or acquire a small bowl and fork, knife, spoon to go with it. You can put 2 half gallons of milk up in there and have yourself cereal for your breakfasts. Cheap canned fruit goes great with your cereal and is filling. You can get cheap canned goods as well like raviolis, beans, spegettios etc and microwave that stuff in the truck stop or terminal. A loaf of bread, mayonaisse in the fridge along with peanut butter and jelly, just use your imagination, no need to spend a fortune on food at the truck stops.
My mentor bought me dinner 3 or 4 times. Refused to let me return the favor. Also got us a motel room three or so time too.
My husband's mentor thanked him for the new IPhone* and GPS* and told him "I had a bad mentor and had to learn it all on my own so now you can learn on your own. That's trucking." *His mentor loved to brag about the goodies he bought with the extra money he earned training.
My 1st student I told to go put his stuff in my truck while I went and showered @Phx terminal. Once I got to the truck I was amazed how much crap he brought. I asked him if I was moving him or mentoring him. Front seat packed to the ceiling, top bunk had more crap, wow. Bring: map, pen and paper/notebook and a good positive attitude. No cologne or perfume either, as I don't want to smell yer polo stinky behind when im driving or sleeping, please, it doesn't help.
