Essential Items Every Truck Driver Should Keep in Their Truck

When you’re on the road for days at a time, you need to be prepared for everything — from weather changes to an unexpected reaction to a bad truck stop burrito. You pretty much need to be ready for anything. 

Whether it’s a breakdown or a long wait at a warehouse, having the right gear can make a huge difference in your comfort, safety, and efficiency on the road. Believe me, I’ve been there a few times. It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared — something I’ve learned in my years on the road as a truck driver.

Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned pro, here are the must-have items every trucker should keep in their truck. I’ve broken them into categories for your convenience: 

• Navigation
• Identification and other paperwork
• Safety Gear
• Food/Necessities
• Comfort/Hygiene 
• Tools/Equipment
• Technology

This list covers most of the basics you’ll need as you’re getting your truck ready for its first run out on the road. As you become more experienced, you’ll learn what you like to have in the truck and what helps you operate more efficiently. 

Navigation and Communication

Navigation is one of the primary aspects of your job, so you need the right tools. 

• Truck-Specific GPS – Your phone GPS won’t cut it. Get a truck-specific GPS. You’ll avoid restricted roads, low bridges, and weight limits with a GPS designed for commercial vehicles. The Garmin DEZL, in particular, is a great option. It has free lifelong software and road updates as well as live traffic reports that can save you from getting stuck in long delays. 
• Paper Maps – A good old-fashioned road atlas can be a lifesaver if your GPS malfunctions — which is unfortunately something that does happen. 
• Mobile Hotspot – Stay connected with reliable internet access when Wi-Fi isn’t available. This will help you both with navigation and with entertainment. I recommend OTR mobile, which searches for the strongest cell phone tower in your area, regardless of who owns it. 

Personal Identification and Documents

Keeping your personal identification and license in your truck with you is a no-brainer.

• Driver’s License and Medical Card – Always have your license and medical card on hand for inspections and identity verifications. Some shippers and receivers won’t let you enter their facilities without your license.
• Paper Copies of Important Documents – Keep insurance, registration, permits, and emergency contact info in an easily accessible place.

Emergency and Safety Gear

Safety is one of the most important things to focus on on the road. 

• First Aid Kit – A first aid kit is essential for treating minor injuries on the road. You might not need it for yourself, but it’s definitely come in handy for me before. The first time I needed to use my first aid kit was when I encountered another driver at a shipper who had cut himself badly. I was closest to him and was able to step in and help.
• Reflective Vest, Triangles, Road Flares – If you’re pulled over on the side of the road, make sure people can easily see you — especially at night. These tools will do that for you. Be sure to follow guidelines for proper triangle placement.
• Fire Extinguisher – Having a fire extinguisher in your truck is a DOT requirement and a crucial tool in case of a fire emergency.
• Flashlight and Extra Batteries – Keep at least one flashlight in your truck at all times along with spare batteries. Nighttime breakdowns or inspections are much easier with proper lighting. A headlamp is also strongly encouraged. 

Food and Hydration

Food is fuel. Make sure you’re consuming the right kind of fuel. Keep your truck stocked with non-perishables in case of emergencies and healthy fruits and vegetables to snack on instead of junk food at the truck stops. 

• Electric Cooler or Mini Fridge – The road can be hard on our bodies, so it’s important to be mindful about getting exercise and eating nutritious foods. Meal prepping or cooking on the road can help you maintain a healthy diet. Keep perishable food fresh and avoid relying on truck stop meals with a mini fridge. 
• Non-Perishables, Snacks, and Bottled Water – Stock up on essentials in case of delays or breakdowns. If you’re stuck somewhere and can’t access fresh food and water, you’ll be glad you thought ahead — as long as you don’t forget the can opener! 
• Portable Cooking Appliances – A microwave, slow cooker, or air fryer can help you prepare meals on the go. A coffee maker will help you avoid spending money on coffee every day. 

Hygiene and Comfort

You might be away from home for weeks, so turning your truck into your home away from home is crucial. 

• Good Bedding and Sleep Essentials – Good sleep is important on the road. Make sure you have all the comforts of home with comfortable bedding, plenty of blankets, and anything else you need to help you sleep, like a sound machine. 
• Extra Clothes – Be prepared for temperature changes with clothes for every season. 
• Hand Warmers – These little pockets of heat are useful for extreme winter conditions, whether you just need a little extra warmth when you’re securing a load or if you need to warm up your bunk heater fuel lines.
• Bucket with Snap-On Toilet Seat – Listen, the road life isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes you get food poisoning and you can’t make it to the truck stop or you’re too sick to keep running inside when you’re sick in the night. Most folks would rather have an option than soil their drawers, which is where a five-gallon bucket comes in handy. They even sell snap-on toilet seats for under $20. When not in use for emergencies, the bucket makes for the perfect garbage. Kitty litter will help to contain waste and reduce odors when using an emergency toilet setup. It also doubles as traction in slippery conditions. 
• Baby Wipes and Hand Sanitizer – An unfortunate but real aspect of the road is that sometimes you can’t get a daily shower. To freshen up when showers aren’t an option, keep baby wipes on hand. 
• Toiletries and Towels – Keep a well-stocked hygiene kit for extended trips. Sure, you can grab some toothpaste and body wash here and there, but it’s always nice to have your favorite brand on hand.

Essential Tools and Equipment

These are some of the tools I’d recommend when you’re first getting started on the road. As you keep learning, you’ll get a feel for the equipment you want to carry. 

• Tandem Slide Stopper and Puller – These tools will help if you have to adjust your tandems to redistribute weight on your trailer. A slider stopper ensures precise adjustments when moving trailer tandems. A tandem puller is a safer and easier way to release the tandem on old manual trailers.
• Work Gloves – Have at least two pairs of work gloves: one for fueling and one for loading/unloading freight.
• Rain Gear and Boots – Bring rain gear with you to ensure you stay dry and comfortable in bad weather. Sturdy work boots are best, especially when securing freight.
• Basic Tool Set – A small set of tools will come in handy for minor repairs and adjustments.
• Tire Pressure Gauge – You have to check your tires daily. If you notice one is low, you’ll need to throw a gauge on it. This is an essential tool to have in your truck. 
• Hammer – Hammers are helpful for a lot of random tasks, like if you need to get ice off your truck. 
• Zip Ties and Electrical Tape – Zip ties are cheap and endlessly useful for quick fixes and securing loose parts. I use them all the time and they’re cheap. 

Technology

Some technology is essential for the road and other tools are nice to have.

• Phone Charger and Power Bank – You need your devices charged up to keep in contact with your supervisor and it’s your lifeline to family and friends at home. Keep your devices powered up at all times.
• CB Radio – A CB radio is a handy way to stay in touch with other drivers and get real-time road updates.
• Headset for Hands-Free Calls – You shouldn’t be texting or holding your phone while driving, but sometimes you have to take calls from your driver manager. Get a headset for safe, hands-free calls and to be DOT-compliant.
• Entertainment Options – Bring a tablet, e-reader, television, gaming system, or movies for downtime.

Be Prepared, Stay Safe

Having the right supplies in your truck can make life on the road more comfortable and less stressful. Whether it’s a safety tool, a hygiene essential, or a piece of equipment that makes your job easier, every item listed here can help you stay prepared. 

What are your must-have items for the road? What did we miss? Contact us to let us know. 

If you’re looking for more tips to ensure your success on the road, be sure to subscribe to the ATS Learning Center. You’ll find articles, videos, and podcasts that cover everything from pay to how to secure chains on your tires in the winter.