Days or weeks on the road take some planning to be successful. If you want to deliver your load on time and without issues, you’ll want to plan ahead. From the clothes you wear and the safety equipment you have to personal hygiene items and your favorite portable foods, you’ll want to have everything you need. That’s why we’re here today!
We’ve got you covered when it comes to truck driver essentials. All of these items will ensure the successful delivery of your load while taking care of your health.
What do truck drivers need on the road?
Truck drivers need to think of equipment and clothing necessary for cargo delivery, as well as everything they need on the road. This includes an ELD, GPS, and dashcam to meet federal compliance laws and arrive on time.
These trucker things also include clothing, sunglasses, food, personal hygiene supplies, and safety equipment. Items that pack down and don’t take up much footprint are best. Here is a list of essential must-have items for drivers of all experience levels:
Compliance and fleet solution essentials for truck drivers
First and foremost, you’ll want to focus on federal and state compliance with an ELD, GPS, and dash cam for both security and insurance purposes.
ELD
An ELD is an elogbook that automatically tracks driving hours and often reports back to company headquarters. ELDs are required by federal law to meet driver maximum driving hours and rest requirements.
GPS
A GPS is perhaps the most essential tool for truckers to avoid traffic delays and ensure the most efficient route to the final destination. While driving, you want to focus on the truck and the road, and not have to worry about the directions. Even if your ELD or phone has a GPS, have a backup in case something happens to either. The Azuga GPS offers reliable fleet management software and GPS services.
Dash cam
A good quality dash cam is an essential piece of trucker equipment. In case of accidents or insurance claims, a dashcam will provide reliable footage of the event.
It also provides verification of trucker driving and safety records and allows owners to monitor their fleet. The Motive Smart Dash Cam, for example, offers some of the best features in the industry, is easy to use, and is trusted by truck drivers and owners nationwide.
Cell phone and charger
In addition to the GPS, ELD, and dash cam, your mobile phone can provide essential communication, backup GPS services, tracking, and more. Your phone can also be a source of entertainment on the road with music, audiobooks, or podcasts. Be sure to pack a reliable charger that is compatible with your vehicle, and perhaps a backup battery for your trucker’s equipment.
Maps or trucker’s atlas
It is always worth keeping a set of maps or a trucker’s atlas on hand in case of the highly-unlikely event that all other means of navigation fail. A backup ensures that no matter what happens, you are prepared to reach your destination on time.
Safety and emergency essentials for truck drivers
After basic navigation and compliance tools, semi-truck drivers need to think of emergency and safety essentials. Here are the must-haves we recommend:
Toolbox
Stock the toolbox with all the tools needed for minor truck repair and other emergencies. Toolbox essentials include:
- Flashlight with rechargable batteries
- Rechargable headlamp
- Heavy duty lug nut wrench set
- Heavy duty screwdriver set
- Brake cleaner
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tie down straps
- Pocket knife
- Toolbag
- Locking plier set
- Commercial lithium jump starter box
Portable toilet
Even at rest stops, sometimes there are no available bathrooms. In these cases, a portable toilet truly earns its spot on any list of truck driver truck essentials. There are compact, discrete models to ensure you are covered, no matter how remote the route.
Safety gear
Safety gear is another truck driver essential. From the equipment used in delivery to safety gear worn while driving. Here is some of our favorite safety gear for truckers of all experience levels:
Cones and flares
Roadside flares and DOT-approved roadside warning signs are essential if you need to help another trucker or have trouble with your truck or a breakdown. Always keep cones and flares in your emergency kit.
Emergency weather equipment
If there is a chance you’ll encounter snow or ice, be sure to keep tire chains in your emergency kit. Other cold-weather essentials include handwarmers and compact emergency mylar thermal blankets in case of accidents or delays in cold weather.
Personal essentials for truck drivers
Now that we’ve covered emergencies and basic delivery compliance, you’ll want to think about personal trucker essentials, from food to hygiene. Here is a complete list of personal things truckers need:
Hygiene kit
Build your hygiene kit around everything you would use at home. This includes shampoo, soap, and dental care products. Plus, in case you can’t get to a shower, pack some wet wipes. The following items will take the planning out of your hygiene kit.
- Wipes
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Shower kit
- Grooming kit
- Shaving set
- Flip flops or sandals for showers
Cleaning supplies
Plan to have a few basic items to keep your truck clean and protect yourself from sickness. Consider packing the following truck driver essentials:
Snacks and quick meals
When you’re on the road, you’ll want to keep non-perishable snacks on hand as well as easy-to-prepare meals for slow cookers or camp stoves. Staying fueled and nourished is important not only to maintain your health but for clarity of mind and focus while driving. Good snacks and quick meals are true truck driver essentials. Consider packing the following:
- Protein bars
- Crackers
- Fruit such as apples, bananas, oranges, and pears
- Peanut butter
- Bread
- Canned goods
- Instant food packs
- A camp stove to prepare quick meals
Health and wellness
Health and wellness ensure longevity and prevent disease. They also prevent aches and pains from long hours driving. Be sure to think not only of supplements but also exercise and stretching.
Learn body weight exercises or find workout videos on YouTube. You can do no-equipment exercise or use inexpensive exercise bands to keep fit on the road. Exercise and stretching are essential truck driver habits.
- Vitamins
- First aid kit
- Non-drowsy doctor-prescribed medication
- Eyedrops
- Exercise bands
Entertainment and comfort trucker essentials
With many hours on the road, you’ll want to have some ways to unwind and enjoy yourself during off-hours. Consider these entertainment and comfort essentials to feel at home, wherever you are in the country.
Laptop or tablet
You can load movies and TV shows on the laptop to watch when you don’t have an internet connection. You can also use it for calls home to family, emails, watching tv, and access load boards for your next jobs.
Gaming console
If you love gaming, this is an option to make the best use of your downtime and help the time to fly. Consider something with a small footprint like a Nintendo Switch.
Books or eReader
If you love to read, a supply of books, magazines, and e-Reader like a Kindle, will make you more comfortable. Consider also crossword puzzles, newspapers, sudoku, or other offline entertainment.
Sleeping bag and pillow
You’ll be sleeping in your cab most of the time. A sleeping bag is a compact solution to get comfortable and stay warm. A comfortable pillow can make the difference for a good night’s sleep.
Ice chest or mini fridge
If you want to keep fresh produce or meat to eat on the road, consider an ice chest or mini refrigerator made for trucks to keep your food fresh while on the road.
Clothes
In addition to work clothes, be sure to bring enough clothes for off-duty hours. Include underclothes for the whole trip, as well as what you’ll wear to relax and sleep.
What to consider with trucking essentials
Trucking supplies require some initial planning, but most of these items can be kept in your truck and ready for every new trip. Before each trip, run quickly down this list to check what you have to re-stock.
Vehicle maintenance
Pack basic tools and supplies for minor repairs or maintenance, including jumper cables, basic hand tools, extra fuses, and motor oil. Add items like duct tape, WD-40, and spare wiper blades which can be invaluable for quick fixes. A portable tire inflator can also be a lifesaver for minor air pressure issues.
Comfort and health
Long hours on the road require items for personal comfort and well-being. Consider packing a good sleeping bag or bedding, a variety of comfortable clothing, healthy snacks, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget items like a small pillow, earplugs for better sleep at rest stops, and a cooler for fresh foods. Exercise bands or a jump rope can help you stay active during breaks.
Safety
Always prioritize items that ensure your safety on the road, such as a well-stocked first aid kit, reflective triangles, fire extinguisher, and flashlight with extra batteries. Consider adding a weather radio for storm warnings and a seatbelt cutter/window breaker tool for emergencies. It’s also wise to have a high-visibility vest for roadside stops.
Communication and navigation
Ensure you have reliable communication devices like a cell phone with a car charger, and a quality GPS system designed for trucks. Consider a CB radio for communication with other truckers and a backup battery pack for your devices. Some drivers also find value in trucking-specific apps for finding routes, weigh stations, and parking.
Documentation
Keep all necessary paperwork organized and easily accessible, including your CDL, insurance information, permits, and logbook. Use a sturdy, waterproof folder or document organizer to protect these essential papers. It’s also smart to have digital backups of important documents stored securely online or on a password-protected USB drive.
Hygiene and grooming
While truck driving is a lucrative career, maintaining hygiene on the road is essential. Come prepared with everything you need from shower and grooming supplies to a change of clothes.
Don’t leave home without your truck driver essentials
Some planning upfront for truck driver essentials will ensure that you’re always prepared. No matter what you encounter on the road, you’ll still be able to meet deadlines while still protecting your comfort, health, and safety.
Most of these items are one-time purchases that will build your truck driver supplies. Remember to choose items that are compact and packable and to think of what is important to you while on the road.
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FAQ
Truck stops have places to park for the night. They also often include bathrooms, showers, service stations with emergency and repair equipment, food, and restaurants. Be prepared with truck driver essentials so you are comfortable at any stop.
Company policies vary on what type of visible tattoos are allowed. In general, truck drivers are discouraged from having visible tattoos that are discriminatory, or associated with gang or illegal activities.
If you take care of your diet, make a point to stop and exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and use our tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle, truck driving is not bad for your health. A lucrative and often flexible trucking job can provide a financially stable life, and be incorporated into your healthy lifestyle.
Truck drivers typically pack essentials for long hauls on the road. This often includes clothing for various weather conditions, toiletries, non-perishable food and snacks, water, a first aid kit, and entertainment items like books or electronics. They also carry important documents such as their commercial driver’s license, logbook, and any necessary permits or paperwork for their cargo.
To become a rich truck driver, focus on increasing your efficiency and maximizing your earnings. This can be achieved by optimizing routes, minimizing downtime, and seeking out high-paying loads. Additionally, consider investing your earnings wisely and building a long-term financial strategy.