Please let me know any “must haves” or necessities that you believe a new driver would need.
Posted by PaintingDeep4100@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 73 comments
Please no negative comments.
My husband is about to start his work training having recently graduated getting his truckers license and I would like to put together a gift basket of sorts from me and the kids to give him after dinner before he leaves, thank you
No_Ocelot4019@reddit
Thick leather gloves for fueling to keep diesel off his hands. Large refillable cup some companies make you fuel at the same truck stop company for fuel and rewards allow for free refills. Rubber slides for the shower (truckers as a whole are a gross species use your imagination) eventually a truck GPS theres apps that work but in my opinion GPS is better like I use a Garmin dezl810 I get weather and traffic updates and it keeps me away from low bridges and restricted roads. Spotify membership is amazing. once hes in his own truck a headset. Theres lots of others depending on what he's pulling as in reefer or flat bed
djg253@reddit
Bolt cutters for freight seals, duct tape, variety tool bag, flashlight, maybe a couple straps to secure freight, rain coat or umbrella, extra pens, trucker hotpot for cooking, safety vest, and a trucker GPS (Garmin, or Rand McNally). I hope this helps!
Samarchuleta516@reddit
Might sound gross but not every place allows you to use their bathroom or is open at night for you to use it. So I suggest getting a collapsible camping toilet with trash bags that go with it in emergencies. Had to get 1 for my husband. Doesn't take long to set up either.
melyssafaye@reddit
You’ll likely get lots of answers but something I find helpful that many drivers don’t know about is this pigtail wedge
It’s like $10 and attaches to the electrical pigtail and you stick it in the side of the hole when you connect the pigtail. It keeps it secure to prevent blinking trailer light or blinking ABS situations. I used to have problems when hooking older trailers and this $10 solution just prevents all the hassle.
For what it’s worth, I’m a woman so I find logical product solutions instead of “rub dirt on it” typical dude solution. LOL! I showed it to a driver the other day and he said he just finds something to stick in there etc. so your husband’s mileage may vary.
bczfckit@reddit
there's an actual tool for this??? I was just using the tabs from my redbull cans. works like a charm 🤣
melyssafaye@reddit
lol! Some drivers use pieces of zip ties. But yes, the actual tool is easy, hangs right on the pigtail and I use it every time I hook up. It’s not expensive but tabs from cans work too!
melovemelongtimee@reddit
This will keep daily logs and BOL clean and neat
On Amazon Sooez Key Lock Clipboard Storage Box, Heavy Duty Clipboard with Storage, Metal Locking with Handle, Lock Box Maximum Security - Holds Letter Size Paper, 12.6 x 9.6 inch
PaintingDeep4100@reddit (OP)
I’ll order that one, I appreciate it, thank you
december151791@reddit
A clipboard with storage is absolutely a must have, but locking isn't really necessary for that. If you can save money by getting one without that feature, do that.
Nero-Danteson@reddit
Yeah I have one of the ones from Walmart.
Dezzolve@reddit
I still use the same one I bought in orientation at my first trucking job 8 years ago.
They charged an arm and a leg for it, and I plan on using it till it disintegrates into dust or until my arm and leg grows back. Whichever is first.
grumpus_ryche@reddit
I've been lugging around this simple metal clipboard with storage the army gave me about 15 years ago. Bent and scratched all to hell, but it won't quit on me so I ain't quitting on it.
melovemelongtimee@reddit
Plus a Chasity belt to make sure he behaves 😂
blively281@reddit
Bolt cutters
grumpus_ryche@reddit
Aka, master key
indytrucks@reddit
Flashlight Shower shoes Gloves Baby wipes (or dude wipes)
jku_man@reddit
Baby wipes Extra tooth brush
TacoRedneck@reddit
A first aid kit. Hardly ever need it, but when I do, I have it.
GoodGoodGoody@reddit
Iiiiiiiiff a company truck doesn’t automatically have a company first aid kid you got a shit company. But yeah, check the kit and any fire extinguisher monthly or if some idiot has driven it while you’re off.
caseyjay@reddit
10 lb. hammer and WD40 for stuck pins on tandems. If he's driving for a mega, he's gonna be using those all the damn time.
Odd-Fuel-9002@reddit
Big case of baby wipes. You can clean yourself, your equipment and your truck with them. Also truck stop toilet paper is thin and rough so baby wipes will keep you clean and fresh down there
Lokisworkshop@reddit
Don't flush them! No matter what they say
LongjumpingCat6642@reddit
Baby wipes, aluminum clip board w/storage, basic tool set(if company allows), spare fluids and parts(oil, coolant, washer fluid, 1/4 and 3/8 air hose with quick connects, trailer light if company allows), a case of water, 2 phone chargers, small trash can for the cab, polarized sunglasses, air freshener, an atlas, and some form of entertainment for when he’s off the clock(I have a steam deck. Other options are an Xbox, switch, laptop etc. most company trucks come with TVs now)
What company is he going with?
PaintingDeep4100@reddit (OP)
I believe he said it’s called Warner If he’s about to do the two week training is this more for after that or just for his first drive in general?
LongjumpingCat6642@reddit
Once he’s on his own. His trainer have most, if not all this
PaintingDeep4100@reddit (OP)
Perfect, thank you for your time
Wrong-Possibility-95@reddit
Gloves lots and lots of gloves
TimothyLux@reddit
This is going to annoy some of you but the $4 coated gloves at harbor freight is my jam. They work great for slinging boxes, landing gear, whatever, and when they get too greased up I toss em. Oh, and the also work great to drop on the pavement for marking distance or pivot points (ie snow covering lane markers) because they are neon green. Of course a nice leather pair is nice for grunt situations but those got about as much use as my steel toed boots..one time and counting.
StolenRage@reddit
I would recommend Mechanix waterproof leather gloves. I have had mine for over a year and they are finally starting to wear a hole from spinning the landing gear down. I found them at Love's.
WallaWallaby011@reddit
Rubber mallet to check your tire pressure in a hurry, long tire gauge for big trucks. 5th wheel pull rod (when I ran dry bulk lime tanks it was really useful to grab onto the hoses too) Bluetooth headset. I use the shockz Opencomm2 headset because you can wear earplugs to protect your ears as it's a bone conduction headset.
totesnotfakeusername@reddit
Where I work, the 5th wheel pull rod stays with the truck at all times... Just curious why you'd need your own unless O/O.
WallaWallaby011@reddit
Every truck driving job I've had they didn't supply shit lol. I keep a duffle bag of everything I need. I do run daycabs exclusively though so maybe that's why. Long hours, but at least I'm home every night.
totesnotfakeusername@reddit
I'm just lucky so far I guess haha. Also, hi fellow daycab wlw driver!
DaSaw@reddit
If you have a musical background, a stick works better. The percussive rebound can actually get you a rough estimate of the actual pressure. Mallet thonks too hard for that.
My hard hitter is a 4 lb sledge. It's what you need when your trailer brakes are frozen. Much better to just avoid that entirely, but mistakes are made. (Though I haven't made that particular mistake since I bought it, lol.)
PaintingDeep4100@reddit (OP)
Perfect, Thank you for your time!
Auquaholic@reddit
If he's just graduated and about to train (ride with someone), a good quality pillow and sleeping bag is what he really needs at the moment. He will need a good duffle bag for his clothes and a backpack for his shower bag. You can fill it with his favorite hygiene stuff. Maybe some gloves and a head mounted flashlight. But other than that, the rest should wait until he gets his own truck. There will not be much room in his ttrainers truck.
PaintingDeep4100@reddit (OP)
Ok, Thank you very much, yeah I don’t want to inconvenience him at all
GoodGoodGoody@reddit
Before you buy him any tools let him drive and see what his truck has.
But a high quality multibit screwdriver and decent head worn rechargeable flashlight are essential personal tools.
Drawings from the kids to have are nice too.
jabber1990@reddit
why would you carry tools though? i'm not fixing YOUR truck, its not my job...i'm not fixing your truck for free
DaSaw@reddit
Your job is to put on miles. It's how you get paid. If turning a screw occasionally keeps you getting paid, then yes, it can be part of your job.
Not that I ever work on my truck. I would probably do more harm than good. But I have fucked up with my rollers and gotten them hung up somewhere, and if I didn't have wrenches and ratchets to remove the hook, get it out, and put it back on, I'd have been stuck in a very stupid way.
Oh. And I've adjusted trailer brakes. Super easy to do once you know how to do it. Saved me some major potential hassles.
jabber1990@reddit
no, I get paid to put on miles, I don't get paid to turn a screw.
IllSpeech7616@reddit
You're not getting paid at all if you're unable to drive due to being unwilling to fix a 2 minute issue
DepressedDragonBorn@reddit
I have had the rear mud flap on my trailer break multiple times, without my tools I'll be stuck waiting for road repair.
Breakdown pay is nice but it's not more than what I'll get just finishing my delivery.
Or when my tire was leaking air from the auto fill thing on the trailer. I was able to just disconnect the hose, refill the tire at the pump and kept going. Then dropped that trailer for repairs later that week.
jabber1990@reddit
what the fuck is breakdown pay?
DepressedDragonBorn@reddit
Pay for being broken down? I get 100 the first two days, then my average pay every day after.
Rarely ever used it, but it was nice that time I was broken down a week. Company kept me in a hotel while the truck got work done.
DepressedDragonBorn@reddit
A adjustable wrench is also great. Comes in handy when the rear mud flap breaks.
firstblush73@reddit
Seconding the headworn flashlight and a good handheld one, as well!
TruckerBiscuit@reddit
A very bright rechargeable LED flashlight is a must-have accessory.
DWPAW-victim@reddit
Shower shoes ie slides and a towel from home that’s not had a million truckers use it
Wide-Engineering-396@reddit
A little duffel bag, with a multi bit screwdriver , pocket pliers, crescent wrench, pocket knife "lock blade" any medicine he takes, plus first aid kit, Pepto-Bismol, aspirin , vicks vapor rub, anti nausea medicine, anti diarrhea, ink pens, band aids ,
Teri_Dee@reddit
Definitely throw in some Shower Shoez! I get them on Amazon.
jabber1990@reddit
....but you can't spell it?
oh right, bought them on Amazon....
Teri_Dee@reddit
The brand is literally “Shower Shoez”. I know how to spell shoes…
OnlineAgony@reddit
Collapsible toilet, like the camping ones with trash bag and the gell stuff. He'll only need it once to glad he has it.
Ok_Bug_6470@reddit
A backup plan
clanlornac@reddit
A subscription to Audible
Bossedup-@reddit
Don’t know why people never recommend a portable toilet for new drivers. This was essential for me, cause I simply hate using public restrooms. ESPECIALLY at truck stops😖.
firstblush73@reddit
.... because people will comment about how disgusting they are, and how unsanitary. Nevermind that they walked across a feces and urine covered parking lot, to go inside and use an unsanitary bathroom, where thousands or more people go in, and forget to wash their hands ...
I am with you there. Proud portable toilet owner. 😉
darklorddoone@reddit
If you're working for a company where you have a communal truck. Like you don't get the same truck every day it's a first come first serve basis type thing. Go wherever you do your shopping and buy you a backpack. In the backpack have your own phone charger and phone holder. Get a Bluetooth adapter, so you dont need to save all the trucks radios to you phone. Have a set of fuses. A pair of wire cutters for seals and pair of pliers. Have ur own little baggy of those rubber gaskets for ur glad hands. And get ur own 7way tester. If you're a long hauler still get all that stuff but also look at what you'll be needing and pick it up as you go.
firstblush73@reddit
Unless his truck comes with one, a pin puller, for unhooking. Saved me many times from reaching under a nasty ol trailer.
Floormats with the high ledge. My truck was my home, my shoes never went past those floormats into the cab. Keeps things clean in the winter montha, easy to clean/dump.
Bungee cords of all shapes and sizes.
A package of assorted binder clips. These are awesome for holding papers together, snacks closed, or rigging up something you need covered in a hurry.
A heating pad.
Extension cords with usb connections on em.
Denydra@reddit
A sleeping bag rated for very cold weather. If the APU quits working (and it will, many times), the climate control is the cab is gone. Not a problem if you're parked in the desert, but if you are in any of the northern states in the winter, it can save his life.
jqmallah@reddit
For Norway to USA, I would check three things before picking a service:
If speed does not matter, postal service is usually the first comparison point, then compare parcel carriers after you know box size and weight.
weaponized_autism265@reddit
https://www.walmart.com/ip/3361739251?sid=8E93C2BE-B7E1-4450-A018-8DF373141412 trust me, this is the best thing ive ever bought.
ltrain_00@reddit
I'm a construction worker and I got one of these and it really makes a difference being able to have a warm meal vs always eating a sandwich or something from a cooler for wvrh meal.
Environmental-Pear40@reddit
Pepto-Bismol, Claritin, Excedrin, antifungal spray and/or cream, gloves (preferably waterproof), shower shoes, shower bag and rolling bags.
If they wear glasses, night driving glasses are awesome (The ones I get from Zenni don't have tinting like the cheap yellow ones) and transition glasses should be required.
refrained@reddit
Not really gift-basket sized, but we gave our drivers leaf blowers last year and they were a hit!
DeepthinkerCC@reddit
I have a small leaf blower for cleaning the trailer and blowing out the truck. Make sure it battery/rechargeable.
But like someone said before making any big purchase let him go to work and figure what he may need.
I have a bunch of stuff I purchased that I thought I would need. And have touched half of it.
I think the one thing that has saved me the most is a homemade first aid kit.
Go and buy various OTR medicines, Motrin, aspirin, flu and cold Pepto, etc. on thing is to get sick on the road and have to buythe stuff at a truck stop. Included bandaids, topicals and bandages as well.
poppunkpengu@reddit
Body washing shower wet wipes- great for when youre running non stop and need a quick clean. Can find packs of them on Amazon pretty easy.
Trucking GPS. Icannot belive no one has mentioned this yet- do not let that man on the road if he doesn't have one. Many many streets in America are absolutely not trucker friendly
Any of his favorite snacks- they're 10x more expensive in the truck stops
Lysol wipes- cleans dishes, around the truck surfaces etc
BTeamTN@reddit
A little set of binoculars. I've got Occer 12x25, endlessly useful in unexpected ways.
AmorFati071@reddit
Example?
BTeamTN@reddit
Seeing across a complex (door numbers)... Backed up traffic to see reason. I mean pretty much any way you can think of that seeing something sooner that prevents you from pulling into what might be a bad spot/hard to exit area.
I could definitely live without them but am daily glad I don't.
homucifer666@reddit
A heartfelt, handwritten note for him to read when he misses you.
truckensafely@reddit
A mallet, a headlights, tire depth checker, gloves, thermal clothing for winter driving, reading materials when he’s waiting to get loaded, gift cards for restaurants meals, garmin truckers gps & maybe a iPad to watch movies & stay in touch with family & friends.