Getting ready for any type of trip can be a nerve-wracking experience. Thinking about all the things you’ll need to pack and stressing over not forgetting about the essentials are just some of the things that make this process stressful. On top of that, you want to ensure that you don’t bring more things than you’ll actually end up needing. But you also want to make sure you don’t pack less than you’ll actually end up needing.
The reasons may go on and on. This is particularly true if you’re a truck driver. Being in that line of work, you’re probably spending hours upon hours and the road, and days – maybe even weeks – away from home. So, of course, you want to ensure that you’ve packed up all of the essentials. With that in mind, here are just some of the things you want to ensure you bring on your road trip.
Essential hygiene products:
Essential hygiene products should be right at the very top of your packing list. As a truck driver, you’ll be spending quite some time away from home. Ideally, you’ll be able to find decent rest-stops along the way, but you should never expect them to provide all the hygiene products you may need. That’s why you should ensure you pack soap, hair shampoo (and conditioner), some type of body wash, a toothbrush, and a deodorant. Towels and washcloths will also come in quite handy, so make sure you don’t forget about them either. Finally, every female truck driver should bring along an “emergency” kit for those days of the month, as being caught off guard is not something you want to experience on the road.
Essential clothing items:
Next, we need to address the clothing items. Obviously, ensure you pack sufficient clothing to support you during your excursion. You can even pack somewhat extra, for good measure. Besides that, you need to ensure you have comfortable garments with you in the event that the temperatures drop. Additionally, make sure you have a clean shirt for at least every second day of your trip, as you probably wouldn’t like to spend time in clothes that are not fresh and clean.
Essential household items:
Some of the basic household items you should consider bringing along will depend on the length of your trip but also on the size of your cabin. Since not all truck cabins are the same – for example, a reefer truck cabin is not the same as a flatbed truck cabin – you need to know how much space you have at your disposal. That being said, a pillow, a blanket, and a laundry bag should definitely make the cut. That way you’ll have your own bedding handy, no matter where you’re spending the night. A laundry bag will also come in handy, as you won’t have to worry about finding the right place to store all of your dirty laundries. Additionally, make sure you pack some healthy food and snacks to ensure that you can have a bite whenever you need to, regardless of how far away you are from a rest-stop.
Essential health items:
Various health items should also be included in your list. Here, consider packing a “medic bag” with some of the essential medication. You need to make sure you pack medication that can help you in case you happen to catch a stomach bug. Additionally, if you’re suffering from any allergies, make sure you have those meds handy as well. On top of that make sure you bring a well-equipped first aid kit as you never know when and if you may end up needing it.
Essential credentials:
Finally, arguably one of the most important things on your checklist needs to be your credentials. You absolutely shouldn’t forget to bring any credentials you may need on your road trip. These should include your driver’s license and other personal documents, insurance papers, and other specific or nonspecific permits. The fact of the matter is that you – most likely – won’t be asked to present any of these during your road-trip, but you need to ensure you have them with you regardless.
These were some of the most basic essentials you need to make sure you bring on your road-trip. Of course, the list may vary slightly depending on the type and the length of your trip. However, while there may be things you can easily add to the list – if needed – none of the aforementioned ones should be crossed off.