What to buy ahead of time , like GPS , Telephone Headset and anything else you can think of ?

I don't think you can get a GPS in a duffle bag, the last one I saw in person was the size of a bus.

I give my drivers military back packs, bought a few of them on the surplus market (ok a couple hundred), they can prop them up in the corner of the sleeper, a lot of room in them. I used them for decades.

 

ALWAYS keep an extra roll of toilet paper with you, never know when you're going to need that, but when you do it's a life saver!

 

Most companies you might start out with will already have GPS. It's one feature on a typical ELD. However, you may want to get your own LATER. I like the Rand McNally. Others like Garmin. A good GPS will set you back a few hundred dollars. Don't be in a rush to spend that money.

Do get a good Bluetooth ear piece or headset, but make sure your company allows it. Some companies have a strict policy against ANY phone use while the truck is in motion.

Invest in a good twin size mattress topper and set of cotton sheets AFTER you finish training. A good night's sleep is important.

The reason why I say AFTER training is because space is limited in a truck. Show up for training with a backpack and a duffle. Don't be the guy with a matching seven piece luggage set taking an hour to square yourself away in the top bunk. There's an entire thread dedicated to what you should bring for training.

Packing List for Students

 

I bought a dufflebag big enough to hold a week's worth of clothes at Target or Walmart. I also got 2 laptop/backpacks from Target or Walmart. One holds company material and one is my shower bag to hold shaving bag/toiletries, plus "hangout" gear like phone cords, USB battery, Kindle, etc. I think I got my toiletries bag from Walmart. But the ones in the travel section of Target seem nicer & more durable.

Chances are you are going to ride with a trainer before you need a GPS. I would wait. The most common units are Garmin 780 and Rand McNally 740. Those cost about $430. You can get thev5 inch versions for under $300 and they provide the same info and are easier to mount. G 580 & RM 540.

Each GPS has it's quirks/faults. Just accept them and don't imagine the one you didn't buy was all roses & happiness. Just get used to the one you use AND BUY THE 2 YEAR REPLACEMENT WARRANTY at time of purchase. For long life, don't have it charging all night when you sleep. Also shield from sun while driving. They overheat and high temps will kill them.

Get a CB AFTER you get a truck. Some trucks, like Freightliner. Only have room for some radios. I have to unused Cobra 29 radios but my truck only has room for Uniden bearcat 880. GPS & CBs are reasonably priced at truckstops & expensive on Amazon.

 

I also bought and use about 5 re-usable grocery bags for bringing groceries & miscellaneous items to/from the truck. These cost 50 cents to a couple dollars each. When not being used they take up no room. They are ideal when changing trucks or cleaning out a truck.

 

When I finished training and got my own truck, I brought an inexpensive CB radio (a Uniden PRO505 XL), a fairly compact toaster oven, a hot water kettle, a French press coffee maker, a large plastic dish, a large bowl, one set of cutlery (knife, fork, spoon), a stainless steel travel coffee cup, a 44 oz insulated plastic cup, and a dorm fridge.

I use Google Maps on my iPhone for GPS, and double check my routing with a Rand McNally Motor Carriers Road Atlas.

 

Buy a rucksack/backpack big enough to carry a weeks worth clothes and toiletries. Don't try to carry your whole life in the truck. It is a waste of space. What if you have to switch trucks, or if you break down or quit?
Here is my list:

• Sleeping Bag
• Sheets
• Pillow
• Phone
• CB
• 8 days worth of clothes
• Work shoes
• Sneakers
• Toiletries
• Meds/First Aid Kit
• Lunch Box Cooker
• Bath Towel
• Essential Tools/Multipurpose tool
• Emergency Cash
• Emergency Credit Card
• Emergency Contact Information
• Clean Wipes
• Hand sanitizer

Military Rucksacks, Army Rucksacks & Backpacks US

 

NOTHING!

Concentrate on graduating first. After you get a company truck, then and only then accessorize. Otherwise you will be in the classifieds trying to sell junk that you dont want because (like many others) they set their expectations too high.

 

your toothbrush, and a jar of peanut butter..is all a man needs.

everything else, is over rated.


seriously check here:

Packing List for Students