Truck Driver Essentials: Checklist for Over-the-Road Truckers

In the event of a breakdown or accident, it is your responsibility to secure and ensure the safety of the area around your truck. This includes warning other motorists about the potential hazards posed by your breakdown or accident. It is also important to keep roadside flares and reflective triangles in your truck for these cases. This is to prevent further collisions or potential accidents. In addition to warning devices, having flashlights and extra batteries on hand is recommended. A cell phone light could work in a pinch, but it is far better to have an actual flashlight for when issues arise. It can also be used to warn people as well during an accident or breakdown.

Seat Belt Cutter and Window Breaker:

In the event of an accident, the ability to exit the truck swiftly is crucial. It’s essential to have a seat belt cutter and window breaker within reach. This tool often comes as a 2-in-1, designed to cut through seat belts. The window breaker features a sharp, mechanical point that can easily shatter a window if the door is jammed or obstructed, preventing your ability to exit. While a pocket knife can be handy, it’s important to note that window breakers are specifically designed for effortless window breaking, a task not as feasible with a pocket knife or multi-tool.

Winter Weather Gear:

Winter travel can be difficult–doubly so if you are not prepared for it. For truckers, it is important to have snow chains just in case. In some states, it is a requirement to have them in the truck during the winter months. Keeping adequately supplied with food and water is also recommended. Also, keeping warm clothing like coats, gloves, and hats is a necessity just in case you run into issues while on the road.

Gadgets and Electronics

Having the right gadgets in the truck helps you not only drive safely but also provides a bit of comfort and entertainment while on the road for weeks at a time. Here are some essential gadgets and electronics that you should consider having in your truck:

GPS System

It is essential to have a trucking-focused, dedicated GPS device. They help avoid routes with low bridges or roads with weight limits. Many of these systems provide information on truck stops, rest areas, and fueling with real-time traffic updates.

ELD

ELDs are mandated by the FMSCA and are a must in the truck. They record driving time and hours of service, they are necessary for compliance with regulations. You probably have a love-and-hate relationship with ELDs, but they are essential.

Dash Cams

Dash cams are useful for recording your drive and for insurance purposes. It helps protect you if you engage in an accident as it serves as proof that you were driving safely and not at fault. There are many options and types of dash cams available.

Smartphone and Tablet Mounts

Being completely hands-free while on the road is not only a must for safety but is also required by the law. So, an essential piece of gear would be a smartphone or tablet mount. In addition to the mounts, having a Bluetooth headset is useful to make sure you can make and receive calls while on the road. Keeping both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road can help you avoid unnecessary tickets. 

Portable Wi-Fi

Having both a microwave and multi-cooker in the truck helps you manage your overall health and budget by making meals while in your truck. By meal-prepping or simply cooking in your cabin, you can save money in the long run by avoiding purchasing food at truck stops. Instead, you can opt to buy groceries, stock your truck’s fridge, and utilize either microwaves or multi-cookers to prepare your meals. Here is a link to some of our recommended recipes for multi-cookers and microwave cooking. 

Comfort and Convenience

While being on the road for three weeks or more at a time, it is important to pack your truck with certain comforts. The truck is your home away from home and as your work home, it should have some items for entertainment and convenience. Here are some recommendations you might want to consider packing for the road:

TVs or Laptops

Instead of straining your eyes by staring at your smartphone, you should consider putting in a TV or having a laptop to watch your favorite shows and movies. A bigger screen will put less strain on your eyes and improve your binge-watching shows on your off time. With a laptop, you can read the news, and search the internet, or write your own memoir about your adventures while on the road.

Bedding and Sheets

Packing your truck with warm blankets, a good pillow, and sheets will help you sleep better. If you have to sleep in your truck, it is better to sleep soundly and comfortably. You could also consider getting an eye mask to filter any light that might creep in that might affect your sleep.

Personal Hygiene Supplies

On the road, you will need to shower at truck stops, so having a well-packed shower kit is key. Your shower kit should include extra towels, especially if you anticipate the truck stop shower offering only one or prefer using your own. Other items are shampoo, soap, lotion, razor, comb, deodorant, towels, etc. In addition to a shower kit, you should pack about two weeks’ worth of clothes, and be prepared to do laundry while on the road.

Cleaning Supplies and Tools

It is always a clever idea to pack basic tools and cleaning supplies. A clean truck is a happy and safe truck. Here is a list of recommended items to have in the truck:

• Small vacuum/dust buster
• Cleaning rags, or wipes
• Dish soap
• Laundry soap
• Screwdrivers
• Tape measure
• Vice grips
• Pliers
• Multitool
• 5th Wheel pin puller
• Crescent Wrench
  

These items are just examples of the types of tools and things you should bring with you. Your toolbox might have more items, or you might have cleaning supply preferences that vary. In either case, if you are considering what you would need to stock is enough to steer you in the right direction.

Final Thoughts on Truck Driver Essentials

You oversee the truck and should stock and set it up based on your own personal needs, but if you are always prepared you will never be caught off guard. And if you are without something you need, remember the Marine Corps adage, “Improvise, Adapt, Overcome.” This wasn’t an exhaustive list, but more of a guide to what to think about when packing and setting up your truck for over-the-road trucking. The trucks here at Bloom have many of the safety gear already available in the trucks, including a refrigerator and other features. If you are considering making a move to a different company, consider Bloom.

Bloom Services, Inc

At Bloom, we offer Volvo 860s and Freightliner Cascadias through our Rental and Lease-Purchase Program. These trucks feature automatic transmissions, refrigerators, some with TV mounts, and an HVAC system that eliminates the need for idling. If you possess a Class A CDL and have two years of experience, Bloom Services is actively recruiting OTR truckers. Our drivers have the opportunity to earn over $3,000 per week after covering all expenses. Reach out to a recruiter today for more information!