Hi Allen, It really depends on your budget and situation on what you will need. Are you going to a company or to a private school? New to trucking we all have a wish list of things we would like to get, but certain things wouldn't be wise to purchase until you are in your own truck. Finishing school is the biggest priority, so things to purchased should be geared toward that goal first.
Usually company or private CDL schools will give you a list of things you will need to start class. I wouldn't veer to far away from what they tell you to bring at first. Since I am at Prime in Springfield right now I can tell you the list is fairly small (14 days of clothing, personal hygiene products,paperwork to obtain a CDL and office supplies). Sleeping Bag as well
Also after getting your CDL and getting hired you won't automatically be getting your own truck. Your going to be teaming with a trainer for a certain amount of time depending on the company. Your trainer will have many of the items already on his truck and their will be little room for yours. Hopefully you'll have a trainer who will allow you to use some of his items like a microwave and gps. Basically your a guest in his home so be polite and take as little of a footprint as you can during this Phase. If a trainer here at Prime sees you with all this stuff he most likely won't take you as a student. I have everything I need in a 30" duffle bag and backpack.
After you finish your training stage and get in your own truck is when should buy the things you want. I have a long list if you want to get me a late Christmas gift. LOL
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
I have everything I need in a 30" duffle bag and backpack.
Brian, thanks for mentioning how many bags you brought. I was planning on bringing a backpack for the stuff I'm not letting out of my sight, but was on the fence about bringing 1 duffle bag or 2.
Thanks for your help. Allen
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Hi, my name is Allen and I am getting ready to go to school for my CDL's. I wanted to know if it would be good for me to buy a GPS and a laptop before I get started? I have I have worked in a factory for 25 years and I am ready for a change. I have always been around farm equipment and dump trucks but have never driven any rigs. I see these big cities, do the GPS really help you get around in a big city, because I have never driven in a big city. Any help would be great thank you. Allen
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: