Any veteran truck driver can attest to the fact that once you become a truck driver, there are some essential necessities that you must always have in your truck. You might just need an item the most when you, unfortunately, do not have it. It is prudent for drivers to have a checklist to ensure they do not leave any of the essentials behind.
While different truck drivers have different needs, here is a list of some of the most basic items that every truck driver should have in their vehicle:
High-quality work gloves
Handling those huge tires, cables, and fuel tank caps is not very easy on your hands. A pair of high-quality work gloves will always come in handy to keep your hands warm, clean, and protected from cuts or abrasions. Leatherwork gloves are a good choice since they fit snugly and last a long time.
Tire pressure gauge
You do not want to risk having a flat tire in the middle of nowhere as you do coast-to-coast hauls. Having a tire pressure gauge will help you monitor your tire pressure level constantly. You can know when to take the next step to have their pressure added.
A clipboard or a file folder
there will be checked along the highways. Keeping your paperwork neat and well organized for safety and easy retrieval is always good. A clipboard or file folder is an easy, portable, inexpensive way of keeping everything together. You risk losing important paperwork, like your trucking permits and insurance when you keep them in different places.
A well-equipped first-aid kit
Before hitting the road, ensure that your truck has a well-equipped first aid kit. It should have all the essentials you might require since most kits only have the basic items that may not help in some situations. The more stuff it can carry, the better.
Carry an up-to-date road atlas.
Courtesy of modern GPS technology, it has become easy for drivers to easily navigate unfamiliar routes. However, everything has its downsides, and if you rely entirely on the GPS, you may be in for a big shock if your battery dies in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes, technology just decides to misbehave. A good up-to-date atlas such as the Randy McNally Motor Carrier’s Road Atlas will come in handy in such a situation.
An emergency kit
Many trucks will have an emergency kit, but it is important to check their contents before leaving. Most truck emergency kits, just like the first aid kits, will have only the basic essentials. A well-stocked emergency kit should have jumper cables, a flashlight, pliers, a wrench, flares, batteries, duct tape, a knife, tin snips, fuses, canned food, and bottled water.
Healthy nutrient-filled foods
Stock up on healthy foods and snacks to avoid bad eating habits. Packing foodstuffs such as nuts, apples, oranges, granola bars, dark chocolate, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, and drinking water is good for your health.
High-visibility reflective safety vest
Make sure you put on your reflective safety vest every time you want the other motorists to see you. Put your vest on before stepping out of your truck, whether during the day or at night.
An electric skillet
Instead of always hopping into a fast food joint every evening for your supper, carry a portable electric skillet to help you fix quick, healthy meals. Pack your body with nutrients. This will help you stay alert and ready for the job all the time.
Handheld vacuum
You ought to keep your truck as clean and hospitable as possible. A handheld vacuum cleaner will help you to clean quickly. It also keeps your vehicle allergen-free as it sucks up dust mites, pollen, dust, and mold.
Flares and cones
When you are on the road, anything can happen. Keep a few flares and cones in your truck for emergencies. Flares will alert other drivers that you are in distress. It is better to err on the side of caution.
A travel flashlight
Get a compactly designed travel flashlight. It will help you check for stuff in your cabin and under the truck. While trucking, you will most certainly require a flashlight for various uses.
Conclusion
The most basic things are auto parts and accessories that lessen the road’s chances of accidents. Say, for example, even a semi-bumper can alleviate the impact of an accident. A quality chrome exhaust can keep the noise level low to allow you to concentrate more on the road. Look out for some other useful things to ensure you can avoid accidents and drive safely.