My new job

[Bramble]

Officially begins Tuesday when my driver trainer arrives to pick me up! So in just a few days I get to actually drive a truck for REAL. Not training or range time(learning to dock and whatnot) but actually driving long distance. So excited and nervous at the same time. I've always wanted to do this Wish me luck!

[Bandit]

Good luck!

Try to enjoy the trip.

B

[wolfie]

A bit of advice:

1) For your toiletries kit, make sure you have sufficent personal supplies (toothpaste, dental floss, shave cream, razor blades, etc.). For women, add "sanitary supplies". Truck stops generally have poor selection and high prices. Soap isn't particularly important, since it's generally supplied (either tiny bars, or liquid in a pump) in the showers. You should also get a "universal drain stopper" (rubber disc about 6 inches in diameter) to fill the sink with water when shaving, and a collapsable drinking cup (camping supply stores) for brushing your teeth. Good to have a washcloth and towel, too - the big chains (Pilot/Flying J, TA/Petro, haven't used Love's) supply them, but some smaller truck stops either might not, or might have an additional charge.

2) Trainee normally gets the upper bunk. I've got a bit of a gut, and the rocking of the truck flopped it around - if you're female, I'd suggest a good sports bra for while you're sleeping.

3) Apply for the loyalty cards of the major chains (PFJ, TA/P, Love's) early - that's how showers are credited with fuel purchase.

Not needed right now, but things that are good to get once you're on your own:
- 2 foot bar clamp/spreader (woodworking tool) to hold down brake during pre-trip, also useful on stubborn tandem slide handles.
- Good flashlights (note plural) - you'll need one with lots of "throw" (read business' address signs at night), a general-purpose one (AA mini-Mag LED is good), and a hands-free (headlamp, or headband to hold the mini-Mag) is nice. Be sure to carry spare batteries.
- "pop-up" dispenser of heavy duty hand cleaner wipes. You're likely to get your hands greasy, and if you're away from a sink this is the ONLY way to get them properly clean.
- A couple of dollar store red "bike blinkers", with some way to attach them to random surfaces. These are great for indoor loading bays when it's sunny outside (put them far enough to the side that you can see them with the trailer doors open, and they'll give you something easily visible to aim for).

If you've got any questions about what to expect/what equipment you should get for once you're on your own, feel free to ask.