Being a Truck driver is a lucrative business opportunity, regardless if you’re driving someone else’s truck or act as an independent driver-operator. These long-distance voyages are a challenge, both for the truck and the driver themselves and they’ll put your endurance to a real test. By preparing properly, you can make this task a lot easier.

Now, we’re not going to list all the trucking permits and credentials, seeing as how you’re legally obliged to both own and have them with you while driving. Instead, we’ll go with those items that the majority of veteran truck drivers would not embark on a Journey without. For the most part, these are either practical or quality of life items. With that in mind and without further ado, here’s a brief list for you to consider.

Hygiene and Comfort Kit

Remember that while on the road, you won’t have the luxury of enjoying the comfort of your own home. Instead, you’ll sleep in motels (sometimes even in the cabin of your truck), which means that you need to become as self-reliant, when it comes to the overall hygienic conditions, as possible. For this, you need (at very least):

• Shower flip-flops: Stepping into a motel shower is Russian roulette. Chances that you’ll catch some nasty bacteria are quite realistic. Fortunately, you can avoid it by wearing some flip-flops. These are inexpensive, easy to pack, and potentially life- (and limb) saving.
• Sleeping gear: You want to carry your own sleeping gear for two reasons. The first one is the fact that it gets your skin in less contact with the rest of the bed that you’ll spend your night at. The other reason is, of course, the one of leisure and comfort.
• Hygiene basics: A kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and bodywash are mandatory. Sure, you may have soap at the motel but is it hygienic, since you have no idea who used it previously (or for what)? Also, you don’t want to assume that it’ll be there. The assumption is the mother of all mistakes. Having some cleaning supplies is also a good idea, not just for motel rooms but for your truck cabin, as well.

All of this can fit in a single bag (separated by some plastic bags or barriers) and make your journey a lot easier to bear.

Basic supplies

These are the items that you just can’t leave your home without. For instance:

• Water: When we say that you need water on your journey, what we mean is that you need gallons and gallons of it.
• Earplugs: This is that one item that may seem unnecessary (even dangerous since it reduces your situational awareness) but the truth is that it can save your nerves and your sanity on the road.
• Snacks: While you may have planned your next meal ahead of time, low blood sugar can happen to anyone at any time. Also, when delayed or stuck, it’s best to have some snacks on you.

Remember that these have to be replaced or refilled after a while, so make sure to include this in your itinerary.

Emergency Kit

In a scenario where a roadside emergency occurs, it’s essential that you have a backup plan. This can be made a lot easier with a couple of items in your inventory:

• Flashlight: Not every malfunction or accident will happen during the daytime, which is why you need to have a reliable flashlight. Now, while these batteries last for quite a while, it’s wise to check them, just in case, before heading out.
• High-visibility jacket: Your safety should always come first, so, in a scenario where you have to walk around your broken vehicle in the evening hours, it’s best that you have a high-visibility vest on you.
• First-aid kit: The first-aid kit is one of those items that you hope you’ll never be in a situation to use. Still, it’s better to have it on a hundred voyages and not need it than not have it that one time you actually need it.

Spare key: According to experts behind Res-Q Locksmiths, even the most seasoned of truckers lose keys surprisingly often. So, having a spare key taped or stashed somewhere on you can be life-saving.

Wrap Up

In the end, it’s about the available space. The above-listed three categories (basics, emergency, and hygiene) are the very basic requirements that you have to own in order to keep things under control. Still, if you feel the need for more items or have an abundance of space left, there’s nothing wrong with adding an item or two of your own choosing. The tips provided here would make your journey safer and more enjoyable. Last but not least, following these tips would cut your expenses in difficult situations.