The Essential Driver’s Packing List

Before heading out on the road for a multi-day run, it’s important to make sure you’re fully prepared and have your cab stocked with everything you might need. And as every packing list is different, we wanted to know exactly what a new driver ought to consider bringing along for the ride.

Naturally, we posed the question on the Dot App and on our social media channels and let those who’ve mastered life on the road share the items they don’t leave the gate without. And save for the joke answers like “truck,” “engine,” and “tires” (both of which are important, by the way), here’s what our drivers had to say:

• Bedding and pillow: A comfortable night’s rest is essential.
• Box cutters: Will always come in handy.
• Broom and dust pan: For inevitable spills and messes in your cab (a handheld vacuum is also a pro-tip).
• Cell phone charger: We advise keeping one in the truck at all times.
• Clothes: Goes without saying.
• Coffee: Not that there aren’t plenty of options on the road, but many drivers prefer to bring their own.
• Disinfecting wipes: For easy cleanup in and around the cab.
• Flashlight
• Food: Again, plenty of options at your disposal, but packing ahead of time can be a major savings in terms of both cost and calories.
• Gloves
• GPS: You’re lost without it.
• Hand soap and sanitizer
• Hobby items: Drivers proposed gaming consoles, e-readers, puzzle games, or hobby materials…whatever floats your boat!
• Jacket or sweatshirt: Even during the summer months, you never know what kind of environment you’ll be encountering.
• Paper logbook: Essential for all drivers.
• Pens and notepad: Can always come in handy and best to be prepared.
• Road atlas: Always a safe alternative to your GPS.
• Safety shoes: Also required (and paid for by DTI) so don’t leave home without ‘em!
• Shower shoes: Bare feet in some truck stop showers…no thanks.
• Sunglasses: Because your future is so bright 😉
• Toiletries
• Tools: A basic small kit should do the trick (screwdriver, adjustable wrench, etc.)
• Water: Though last alphabetically, this was the number one item suggested by our drivers.

Did we forget anything? Drop us a line and let us know!