Every experienced truck driver has a list of things that they absolutely need in their truck while they’re on the road.
When you’re going on a long trip, packing the essentials is, well, essential! And it’s no different for those in the business of long distance trucking. For truckers, packing can feel like a constant challenge. Drivers are extremely limited in what fits in their trucks. It is crucial that drivers be careful not to over-pack while still bringing enough to last you for the entire haul.
Another hurdle truck drivers face is if they happen to forget to pack something, truck stops might have the products you need if they’re lucky. And, if they don’t have what they need, getting to a store that has what they need can be a challenge in and of itself when driving an 18-wheeler.
That’s why, today, we’re diving into the seven things every trucker should have in their semi truck during those long hauls. Continue reading below to learn more.
7 Things Every Truck Driver Should Have in Their Semi Trucks
- Paperwork, Documentation, and Other Credentials — First and foremost, every truck driver should bring their permits, licenses, and any other necessary credentials on every trip. Drivers will need these documents when checking in at a weigh station or if they’re pulled over by law enforcement. Here’s what to bring along:
- CDL license
- Truck registration
- State permits
- Proof of insurance
- Lon-form physical
- Logs
- TWIC
- Special certifications (i.e., transporting liquid tankers, hazardous materials, triple trailers, etc.)
- Public Shower Sandals — It’s no secret that truckloads (see what we did there?) of people use the restrooms at truck stops, and the shower stalls they have are no different. This means there’s a huge potential for diseases to end up on truck drivers’ feet, such as athlete’s foot and other fungal or bacterial infections. Because of this nasty truth, drivers should do what they can to protect their feet: shower flip-flops!
A dedicated pair of flip-flops will keep feet free from disgusting diseases and are easy to disinfect after showers. Moreover, they are shockingly inexpensive and can be discarded and repurchased whenever necessary.
- On-the-Road Bathroom Supplies — Truck stops are glorious things for truck drivers, but they aren’t always available when nature calls. For those unfortunate moments on a long stretch of road with no stops for miles, truck drivers should have an emergency bathroom container complete with toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, and any other essentials.
- Emergency Truck Kit — Every truck driver should bring along an emergency truck kit on every single trip. Long distance trucking comes with a lot of unknowns, and emergencies can come in all shapes and sizes; it’s not always a dangerous situation. Sometimes an emergency can be the air pressure gauge at the gas station is out, and you need to use your own. A safety kit should include items such as:
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- A complete tool kit
- Fuses
- A tarp
- Tire pressure gauge
- Bottled water
- Nonperishable food
- Gloves
- Flashlight and batteries
- Blanket
- Duct tape
- and more.
- Emergency Road Essentials — These items could fall under the “emergency truck kit” above, but they deserve their own section because of their importance. Every truck driver should pack a high-visibility vest or jacket, road cones, and flares.
A high-visibility vest or jacket is crucial for those nighttime, side-of-the-road stops. You never know when you’ll have to pull over on the side of the highway to check your load or tires. The fluorescent and reflective materials used in high-vis gear will help other drivers see you, keep you safe, and avoid potential accidents. For the same reasons, road cones and flares are a good idea, too! Road cones and flares will help warn other drivers on the road to mind their distance.
- First Aid Kit — Like the emergency kit, every truck driver should bring a complete medical first aid kit on every haul. The kit should be inspected regularly to ensure everything is well-stocked and hasn’t expired. Make sure to include the following:
- A variety of adhesive bandages
- Gauze and tape
- Antibacterial ointment
- Compresses
- Pain relievers
- and more.
- Entertainment Options — Long distance trucking is an exhausting profession. Thankfully, every trucker has a certain amount of mandatory rest and recovery time they must meet, depending on how many hours they’ve spent behind the wheel. All truck drivers should have a few entertainment options to help fill their time. Just remember to pack headphones and necessary chargers! Here are some ideas to fill that mandatory downtime:
- Podcasts and music
- eReader or book
- Portable movie player
- EpicVue, the best way to view streaming services on the road
EpicVue: A Must-Have for Every Truck Driver
Every truck driver, experienced or not, should have EpicVue in their semi truck.
There are many reasons why every trucker should have access to streaming services during their long hauls. Being able to watch a favorite show while away from home helps balance the intense feelings of loneliness and isolation that comes with life behind the wheel. Watching TV is the perfect way for truckers to relax during their mandatory rest and recovery time.
Life on the road is undoubtedly lonely for truck drivers, so having a little bit of home — the ability to stream their favorite shows whenever and wherever they want — makes a huge, positive difference during their downtime. Our in-cab streaming services allow drivers to unwind from a long shift and watch what they want, when they want, from the comfort of their own cab.
Are you a fleet manager? Team members who are happy, well-rested, and healthy are much more likely to stay loyal to your fleet, which significantly reduces the expensive, tedious cycle of recruitment and, as a result, will vastly improve your retention numbers. This awesome gesture is designed to renew appreciation and commitment between crew members and their managers. The benefits you and your drivers will see make EpicVue a worthy investment!
Not part of a fleet? Not a problem! The professionals at EpicVue also specialize in outfitting owner-operator semi trucks with premium in-cab streaming services.
Contact our team to learn more about streaming services in semi trucks today.
