Starting My Training July 5th With Stevens

I am starting my training with Stevens Transport in Mesquite on July 5th. I have asked but not gotten an answer as to what is the best boots and gloves to purchase. I have been told though that the boots DO NOT have to be steel toed. Can someone please let me know from experience what type or brand of gloves are the best and what type or brand of boots are the best? Steel toe or no steel toe?

You will likely never need steel toe boots but I personally always had them for the added protection. You just never know what you're going to come across when you go into some of these customers. The main disadvantage to steel toe boots are the extra weight, but they also make composite toes which are still really good protection but much lighter. So if you're going to get boots I would personally recommend steel toe but it's really up to you.

As far as gloves, I always just grabbed several pairs of those cheap work gloves you see everywhere for like $3 per pair. Every truck stop has them, and so does every Walmart, Home Depot, etc. I would use one pair for fueling only and one pair for other types of work like moving pallets around, installing load locks, or sweeping out the trailer. They'll either wear out or get full of fuel and oil after a while so you just toss em and grab a new pair.

I've also used rubber gloves for fueling at times. They make special types of rubber that won't be affected by the diesel fuel. Unfortunately they can tear rather easily if you catch them on something sharp and that's the end of those gloves.

So you can use the cheapies if you like, or grab a pair of rubber ones. I would personally recommend getting two pairs of the cheapies and you'll be fine. Here is what they look like:

And since we're on the subject I just want to let everyone know that we have a huge list of items to bring with you to school and on the road:

Items To Bring To CDL School And On The Road

Thanks for the info, funny thing these were the ones I was going to get...... As far as boots, what is your preference - Brahma are steel toed and you can also get timberlands without steel toes.

I personally used the Brahma for years. They're rather cheap, they're comfortable, and they last a long time. They're like $35 at Walmart. I mean, that's pretty much a disposable price when it comes to boots. Can't beat it. And they last pretty darn well. I thought it was a great value. Obviously they're not going to have a bunch of fancy features and first grade materials at that price but you're not going to be using them very often. If you were on a construction site or working in a factory where you're abusing them continuously and you're on your feet all day then it would be worth investing in an expensive pair.

But when you're just slipping them on for a few minutes from time to time to go into a customer or drop and hook a trailer the $35 boots work great.

Carla, Ariat boots has a great line of women's work boots. Just do a search under that name. They are comfortable and long lasting.

Check out Steel-Toe-Shoes.Com. Virtually any style of steel toe shoes and boots you can imagine. Corporate decided we needed to wear them while out in the shop and gave us an allowance. I eventually left the company but now I have 5 - 6 pairs of virtually new boots / shoes. Everything from classic DR Martens to New Balance cross training sneakers to composite toed hiking shoes. LOL!

JJ

Link to steel-toe-shoes.com:

Another on-line source that's really great is simply shoes.com. Free shipping both ways if you want to return them and absolutely no hassles.

Link:

Shoes.com

Carla I drive for Stevens now and went through their training so as far as your boots you don't need steel toes. Basically what they are looking for is ankle support so a decent hiking boot will be fine. The yard rules are "absolutely no open tie shoes". Every time I am on the yard I wear running shoes and nobody says a word.

As far as gloves go get a cheap pair of regular leather work gloves. You don't need anything fancy. I usually have a pair of Mechanix gloves that you get at wal mart in the automotive section for about $20.

Yesterday in Mesquite it was 104 so bring sunscreen and drink plenty of water.