One of the most important (and often hardest) steps for truck drivers is packing. Make sure you’re adequately prepared by making a list and asking yourself some questions. Do you have your personal products ready to go? Is your commercial driver’s license packed? Have you built an emergency tool kit? No matter how long you plan to be on the road, there are a few items you’ll want to have with you to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Essential Items
Essential items are necessary things that should make it onto any packing list when you’re spending time away from home and often include things like clothes, medications, and toiletries.
Before filling your suitcase, take a look at the weather for where you’re headed and plan accordingly. To be the most prepared, pack items for multiple different climates, including:
- Rain gear (coat, poncho, boots, umbrella)
- Heavy coat
- Gloves and hat
- Sunglasses
Weather conditions can also affect your truck, so packing high-visibility gear can help protect you from oncoming traffic if you ever have to make an unexpected stop.
Along with clothing, be sure to pack any electronic chargers and important documents such as your license, insurance, and registration.
Emergency Supplies
Between winter blizzards and summer storms, you never know what you’ll face. Since conditions can vary, emergency supplies are a must-have packing list addition. Some basic items your emergency kit should contain are:
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Basic tools
- First aid kit
- Paper map
- Extra cash
- Tire chains
Truck drivers aren’t expected to be mechanics, but having these things on hand can save a lot of time instead of having to wait for an emergency maintenance team.
Comfort Items
Depending on how much time you’ll be spending in your truck and on the road, you may want to consider packing a few “luxury” items to help keep yourself entertained and make your home away from home a little more comfortable. This can include:
- Music/audiobooks/podcasts
- Cooler/thermos
- Sleeping gear
- Seat cushion
- Paper map
- Camera
In general, it’s never a bad idea to pack extras, just in case your trip is extended or takes longer than originally planned. As we all know, a little planning can go a long way. Before starting your next trip, take time to carefully consider your packing list and make sure you’ve included these essential items.
Updated November 2023
