Trainers Truck

Good morning everyone

I meet my trainer tomorrow afternoon and all the excitement is producing questions in my mind to make sure I go in with an open mind and complete willingness to learn and absorb as much as possible. Here's what is on my mind...

• not even going to try and see how fast the truck can go (would rather take it slow and steady at the speed limit - depending on load and conditions)
• it is his truck and I am being allowed inside to learn
• the only electronic device I am bringing is my phone (laptop can come with once I go solo)
• I have my Safety Vest, Safety Goggles, gloves (not for fueling), Box cutter (just incase something needs opened), Pocket version of the FMCSR, Receipt container (those small expanding ones), Expanding plastic file folder extra place to keep notes and what-not. I am leaving my fifth wheel puller at home until i go solo.
• non perishable snacks to get started.
• unscented Baby Wipes (would rather use clorox wipes)
• my own copy of the Rand McNally truckers atlas (laminated)
• ear buds (Bluetooth will be purchased after 1st week or 2)
• 12v power inverter for my phone (its a travel size and very compact)

There are other things not on this list which I have (normal things needed) and luckily I found a 30" rolling duffle bag that is phenomenally deep for its size.

So my question to all the readers is this...Am I approaching this in the correct way or maybe a wise way?

...make sure I go in with an open mind and complete willingness to learn and absorb as much as possible.

BAM!! You win TruckingTruth today. That attitude is exactly what Brett promotes and encourages on this site. You have a great attitude and as long as you keep that attitude, nothing will stand in your way. And I'm not just talking about in trucking.

As far as the other things on your list, those are all good things to have, although I must say I've never seen a trucker use safety goggles. I just haul reefer though so what do I know haha.

I have been too facilities that required safety glasses, so having them can come in handy

I have been too facilities that required safety glasses, so having them can come in handy

I stand corrected!

I have been too facilities that required safety glasses, so having them can come in handy

Safety glasses are critical if you're strapping or using bungee cords as a flatbedder.

Safety toe boots may be required at some yards.

Safety toe boots may be required at some yards.

Although a newbie I plan to wait until I get to my trainers truck to get some things. If I need them he'll let me know and can certainly stop at a Wally-world long enough to get anything I might need that I don't have with me before we get to a destination that might require them. Don't plan on buying anything I wont absolutely need, although I'll get a pair anywyas once I go solo regardless, but then I'll have more room then too.

One thing I would recommend if you pay for items in cash, is carry a large container with a secure lid for all that change. I go through a lot of quarters when I do laundry on the road, but I bring home at least two pounds of change every six weeks. "Christmas Fund" money.

One thing I would recommend if you pay for items in cash, is carry a large container with a secure lid for all that change. I go through a lot of quarters when I do laundry on the road, but I bring home at least two pounds of change every six weeks. "Christmas Fund" money.

On my trainer's truck, I gave him all the coins. We took turns buying lunch. On my truck I took two small juice bottles and rinsed them well. I cut slots in the caps to fit coins through. Think of a piggy bank. One for laundry quarters and one for Christmas coins. They're compact and won't spill.

I use a Won Ton soup container from my favorite restaurant in OKC.