What to take on the trainers truck

^^^ THIS ^^^

DO NOT BRING A LOT OF STUFF ON YOUR TRAINER'S TRUCK.

While I was a trainer the LAST thing I wanted to see was a trainee with a mountain of stuff to pack into my truck.

SPACE IS LIMITED.

The trainer, of necessity, has all their personal effects AND tools already stowed in limited space. If they are able they will make some cupboard space available for you. I did. But don't count on it.

If you can't live in the top bunk TOGETHER with all your stuff, you brought too much. This is a temporary gig. AFTER you upgrade and get assigned your truck is the time to get all the creature comforts.

If things don't work out with your trainer, consider the need to get off the truck and take a bus, or stay a night at a company terminal or truck stop. Do you REALLY want to be schlepping multiple loads?

The worst trainee I had brought a matching seven piece set of Gucci luggage. Four trips from his girlfriend's car to the truck. Roller luggage that couldn't fit ANYWHERE and was a hazard to have in the cab. WAAAAYYY too many clothes and pissed off there wasn't anywhere to hang his silk shirts and pants. True story. He didn't make it.

On the other end of the spectrum is the trainee that didn't think to bring a sleeping bag or blanket, and "Oh gosh, am I going to need warm clothes?" (Yes, it's October)....

 

First thing call the trainer if you can. See how much room you have. Then bring accordingly. Remember you are a guest don't just show up with a ton of stuff.

 

I am packing with the understanding that no-one in the CONUS is more than a day away from a Wal-Mart and that if Wal-Mart doesn't sell it, you don't really need it.

Whatever I don't have with me, I am sure I can live without for a day or two.

 

Tube of KY. Box of condoms. Bend over and assume the possession! LOL

 

Here is a list for ya

One medium size duffel bag and a small back pack.
Blanket and pillow
Work boots and gloves
Basic tolietries

• Finger nail klippers
• Brush
• Shampoo and soap
• Beard trimmer
• Deoderant
• Toothpaste and brush

7 days woth of clothes
your cell phone
Ear buds

Thats it. All truck stops have towels for the showers and you will be sleeping on a bed thats probably 70" x 36" with whatever you bring so keep it to the bare essentals. you will not need to bring any gear for the truck such as flashlights because the trainer will have it already. That list is what I brought and my trainer was thankful for it. Anything else I ended up needing was purchased on the road after I knew how much room he gave me.

 

I packed and repacked about 4 times and it still looks like too much. I only have the stuff listed above, but also brought a towel as you never know if you will get a skid marked towel at a truck stop.

 

I have never had a towel like that at any truck stop. Honestly if you get a towel like that then the shower will most likely be just as bad. That is when I get my money back and wait until I stop again.

 

Definitely need a towel. If your company has showers at the terminals there aint no towels. Dont forget shower shoes too -

 

My mistake was trying to fit it all in a duffel bag, should have just done a Tommy Boy and used a Hefty bag wrapped with some duct tape.

 

4 days out, then 4 days home! What company is that? I'll be applying asap lol