Key Takeaways:
As any truck driver knows, the road doesn’t always play fair — and neither does Mother Nature. From blizzards in the Upper Midwest to hurricanes in the South to sudden storms across the Great Plains, unpredictable conditions can quickly turn a routine haul into a roadside emergency. If you find yourself in a bad situation, a well-stocked emergency kit in your cab can a literal lifeline.
At Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), we’ve spent decades supporting drivers through every condition and circumstance the road can throw at them. Our team understands what it takes to drivers moving safely across the country, no matter the forecast.
In this article, we’ll walk through a comprehensive emergency kit checklist built specifically for truckers, so you can stay safe, stay supplied, and stay in control when the weather takes a turn. Use it as a shopping list to stock up your truck during your next stretch of home time!
When road conditions turn dangerous, your safety gear becomes your lifeline. Whether you're facing low visibility, heavy snow, or a roadside breakdown, having the right emergency supplies on hand can make all the difference.
Here are some key tools every driver should carry to stay visible, safe, and confident in the face of the unexpected:
You likely already have most, if not all, of these items already in your truck, but it never hurts to double-check that: 1) You have what you think you have, and 2) It's all in good working order.
If your rig stops moving in sub-zero temperatures, you’ll be relying on your gear — not your engine — for warmth. Layering up with the right clothing and cold-weather accessories can help you stay comfortable, alert, and safe while you wait for help or weather to clear.
These essentials are all about protecting you from frostbite, hypothermia, and general misery when the temperature drops:
Extreme heat can be just as dangerous as ice and snow, especially if you’re stranded without shade or a working A/C. Drivers need to have a reserve of items that can lower their risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn, especially when hauling in summer and/or in the South and Southwest.
From hydration to sun protection, this section covers smart additions to your emergency kit that will keep you cool, safe, and alert when temperatures rise:
We cover food and water necessities in the section below, but it's important to note that you should always have extra jugs of water on hand in hot weather or when traveling through areas that can rapidly become hot. This should be in addition to the basic stash of water we recommend always having in your cab.
When you're stuck waiting out a storm, nutrient-rich food and clean water is a necessity. Stocking high-calorie, non-perishable options will keep your energy up and your mind sharp until it's safe to get moving again.
This section focuses on sustenance that can be found in most convenience stores or truck stops, requires minimal (if any) prep or cooking, and will stay shelf-stable even when stored in a truck cab:
Ask any modern teenager and they'll tell you: being without a phone can feel like a life-or-death situation. But for truckers, a dead phone battery really can turn a bad situation into a critical one. That’s why backup power sources and alternate communication tools are crucial when you’re stranded, especially in remote areas and during extreme weather conditions.
This gear will help keep you connected — to your dispatcher, emergency services, and the latest weather updates — when it matters most:
You might be surprised at how much your comfort and hygiene can impact how well you think, rest, and recover. Small comforts can have a big impact on your resilience and help keep you healthy and sharp enough to navigate less-than-optimal circumstances.
From wipes and sanitation items to clean clothes and blankets, these supplies help you feel better when the going gets tough:
Your truck can be your shelter in a storm — but only if it’s properly equipped. Keeping key maintenance fluids, tools, and recovery aids on board can help you address minor mechanical issues and prevent major ones.
This section covers the vehicle-specific essentials that help keep your rig road-ready, even when the road isn’t ready for you:
Some items don’t fit neatly into a category, but they’re still smart to have in reach. Think of this section as your “you’ll be glad you packed it” list, full of low-cost, high-reward odds and ends you wouldn't normally think about — until they're exactly what you need.
From paper maps to entertainment to quick fixes, these odds and ends can help you pass the time or get out of a jam:
Emergencies don’t wait for good weather or good timing. Keeping a fully stocked emergency kit in your cab isn’t just about checking a box on a safety list; it’s about protecting yourself when conditions turn rough and help is hours (or hundreds of miles) away. From winter gear to food, fluids, and communication tools, a well-prepared truck is a safer, more resilient truck.
This checklist is designed to help you stay ready for whatever the road throws your way — especially when you’re hauling through the threat (or reality) of extreme weather or long, isolated stretches. And while preparation starts with safety, it doesn’t stop there. We hope you'll use this list to ensure you're safe, comfortable, and ready for anything.
After weathering the unpredictable out on the road, you deserve a stop that makes the grind a little easier. Check out our video where we're Blind Ranking Truck Stops. It’s a fun watch that breaks down some of the best (and worst) stops out there, so you can spend your non-driving time somewhere you'll actually enjoy.