What Products I Need As A New Over The Road Driver

Hey ya'll I have a newbie question, I am new to the industry finally am getting on the road alone, I'm not sure what to bring though? Below is a list of ideas, but it would be great if anyone could list out what they desperately need or use all the time going out on the road.

-Bathroom supplies? -Food in truck? -Snacks? -Safety Supplies? -Appliances? -Office Supplies? -Cleaning Supplies? -Pet supplies (Have a mid size dog coming in with me).

If ya'll know anything else that can be passed on to me that would be great. Oh by the way I'll be on the road 3 weeks to a month at a time, so should I buy bulk or buy smaller items.

Thanks to anyone who helps me here.

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Truckers supplies

Definitely load up on nonperishable snacks. I find the party size bag of individual chips is great for this purpose, although there are healthier options like canned fruits. Definitely buy in bulk for these. As for appliances, it all depends on what you feel you'd use. Many truck stops sell alot of easy to use 12v appliances that work well, like iceless coolers, small coffee makers, the lunchbox cooker (im no chef so I mainly use it to boil water). You don't necessarily need a truck GPS or a dash cam this early on, so that can wait; I've been solo for a year and still haven't gotten around to those. A CB would definitely be a handy tool if your budget allows, getting traffic updates ahead of you like stopped traffic can help you prepare to find a safe bubble and slow down.

Everyday tools like a hammer for tire t******* and other tasks, vice grips for that annoying tandem release that won't stay out, wire snippers for metal and wire seals, a good flashlight, tire guage, maybe a tread depth guage if you want it, a 2 good pairs of work gloves (one for fueling, one for other work related activities).

There's probably alot more others would add, and is definitely not all inclusive.

We have a massive amount of information on which items to pack:

Items To Bring To CDL School, Training, and OTR

Now obviously you're not going to bring everything that's listed there but it will give you some great ideas.

Approaching winter, thick layers. My job requires frequent periods of outdoor work; spotting trailers, drop and hook , and multiple trailer inspections. I wear three layers when temps are below freezing.

Good set of gloves; one for work, and a neoprene coated set for fueling.

Baby wipes. No matter how well you plan, there will be days where it's just not possible to get a shower. Having those wipes to hit the important spots before bed are a life saver for me.

The first thing I bought was the 40 quart iceless cooler. I love it. I don't get salty foods as it makes you have to drink more. That leads to stopping more. The key to making miles is keeping your doors closed. As far as food and food stuff, you can heat stuff in the truck stop microwaves. You will want some reusable containers, a small thing of dish soap, paper towels. You may wan't a treal set of siverware. If you buy in bulk, think about storage. Velcro tape and bungies come in handy in all sorts of ways. Food, cooking and food storage are all personal. I have a friend who doesn't cook in the truck, he buys food at restaurants at or near truck stops. You will also need, scotch tape, paperclips, a notebook of some kind, clip board with storage, file folders, scissors, a small stapler, and white out. Some highlighers, dry erase markers and pens. As far as dog supplies. A crate, extra leash and collar, a harness, his health records. The dog must be up to date on all vaccines. Keep in mind, some shipper/receivers don't allow pets on their property, so you would have to find a place to keep the dog for a couple of hours. Pee pee pads, bowls, grooming supplies, vacuum. That's what I could come up with off the top of my head. As you live in the truck you will find what you need. Good luck. Stay safe.