Truck Driver Essentials: Must-Have Items for the Road

Maybe you chose a trucking career because of its flexibility, travel, and earning potential. But as a trucker, you know that preparation is the key to a successful trip, and while you most likely have your own list of essentials, truck driver must-haves include necessary licenses, documentation, safety gear, hygiene supplies, and more to keep your trip hassle-free and you comfortable.

Here is a rundown of trucker essentials for a safe, efficient, and pleasant trip.

Trucking permits and credentials

Commercial drivers need specific job-related permits, licenses, and credentials. You need these documents at weighing stations or if you get stopped by law enforcement. Keep the following on board:

• Commercial driver’s license (CDL): The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all truck drivers to have a CDL.
• Proof of insurance: In case of an accident or cargo damage, you need proof of insurance coverage.
• Vehicle registration: Access to your federal registration and Department of Transportation (DOT) number to avoid fines or other issues.
• State permits: Each state has motor carrier permit requirements. You need permits for any state you travel through or work in.
• Electronic logging device (ELD): ELDs ensure compliance with hours of service (HOS) regulations.
• Medical examiner’s certificate: Commercial vehicle drivers must have a medical certificate from a DOT examiner proving physical fitness.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®): This card grants you access to shipping yards or other maritime facilities.
• Special certifications: You may need endorsements for transporting hazardous materials, liquid tankers, or triple trailers.

Safety equipment

Trucking has its dangers. Investing in these tools prepares you for any hazard and keeps you safe on the road:

Flashlight

A flashlight can be a lifesaver in the case of a roadside incident that occurs when it’s dark outside. Choose one strong enough to illuminate your rig during an emergency, such as a flat tire. Remember to keep some spare batteries on hand!

Tire pressure gauge

A tire pressure gauge helps maintain optimal pressure for weather and road conditions. Over- or under-inflation can affect your truck handling and contribute to fuel consumption. Check tire manufacturer load versus inflation tables to ensure safe tire pressure.

First-aid kit

A medical first-aid kit prepares you for any mishaps and can save you a trip to the pharmacy or doctor. Stock up on the following supplies:

• Band-Aids
• Bandages
• Tape
• Gauze pads
• Antibiotic cream
• Painkillers
• Antiseptic wipes
• Cold and flu medication
• Antihistamines
• Compresses

Check this kit often and replace items as needed.

Emergency kit

An emergency kit is like a first-aid kit for your truck. It should include items like:

• Jumper cables
• Duct tape
• Fire extinguisher
• Wrench
• Pliers
• Tarp
• Fuses
• Multi-utility tool or a tool kit
• Road cones
• Reflective triangles

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

PPE keeps you safe when loading, unloading, or during roadside inspections. At a minimum, you should have the following:

• High-visibility jacket: Afluorescent jacket or vest keeps you visible when checking tires or loads outside your truck. High-vis gear helps other drivers see you.
• Steel-toed boots: Sturdy boots can protect your feet in case a heavy item falls on them and help maintain grip when redistributing a load on rocky, icy, or wet terrains.
• Work gloves: A pair of gloves helps prevent hand or finger injury when loading or unloading cargo. They also keep your hands warm when driving in cold conditions.

Driver comfort

Seeing the world from a truck’s cab gives you a unique vantage point to see the open road, but long hours in a cab might get uncomfortable. These trucker essentials can make things more pleasant:

Clean clothes

Packing extra underwear, socks, and clothes makes sense for long-distance over-the-road (OTR) jobs. Laundry stops can delay your trip, so pack accordingly. Bring a change of clothes for unexpected weather or coffee spills, even on short hauls.

Portable cooking appliances

Stopping for fast food or gas station snacks is quick, easy, and convenient. However, making it a regular habit can become unhealthy and expensive.

Alternate by cooking your own healthy meals using a portable cooking appliance. Devices like electric skillets, slow cookers, or roasters can provide you with hot meals on the go. As a bonus, you can channel your inner traveling chef!

Non-perishable foods and water

Stopping to eat at one of the many roadside restaurants can be pricey and time-consuming. To save time and money, carry healthy, non-perishable snacks to keep you going.

Stock up on water to avoid dehydration, too. Staying hydrated regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, and supports your overall well-being.

Entertainment

On long-distance hauls, boredom and loneliness can sometimes creep up on you. The following options can keep you entertained during layovers or stops:

• E-Readers: These devices give you access to various reading materials, from books to Popular e-readers include Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and NOOK.
• Portable movie players: A portable movie player is a great alternative if you prefer movies over reading. It offers flexibility, allowing you to watch shows and movies wherever you are.
• Gaming systems: Handheld gaming consoles offer a more interactive entertainment experience. Choose from options like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck OLED, or Asus ROG Ally.

Hygiene supplies

A good hygiene routine keeps you feeling and smelling fresh during long-haul trips. Here are a few necessities:

• Shower flip-flops: Truck stop showers are breeding grounds for bacteria. Protect your feet by wearing flip-flops in the shower and disinfecting them after use.
• Personal hygiene items: Essential hygiene products include a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, and shampoo. Toilet paper and disinfectant wipes are vital for when nature calls and there’s no gas station around.

Navigation tools

Most truckers have two things on their mind—planning the best routes and finding the next job. Luckily, these tools help you achieve both:

Cell phone charger

Your cell phone is your lifeline. It connects you to brokers, shippers, and your family. Many drivers use their phones to navigate routes using mobile apps. Your phone also provides entertainment, from streaming music to games. These activities drain the battery. Keep an in-truck and standard plug-in charger so your phone stays powered up.

GPS and route planners

A navigation app like Waze can help find the best routes and avoid issues on the road. As a trucker, you may need more than simple navigation. Truck routing software, like Truckstop solutions, includes route mapping as standard.

Keep a map book or trucking atlas as a backup if technology fails or you lose signal.

Load boards

Access to a load board is high on the list of must-haves for truck drivers. A load board lets you search and book freight to keep the money rolling in. Load boards boost revenue while building relationships with freight brokers and shippers.

Add high-paying loads to your essentials list.

The Truckstop Load Board is one of the most important truck driver essentials. It helps you find and book loads to keep your wheels on the road. Features include unlimited load searching, route maps, and fuel insights. The Truckstop Go™ Mobile App allows you to access high-quality loads wherever you are.

Visit Truckstop.com to schedule your free load board demo today!