Question:
I carry my laptop with me, and also my digital camera.
I take pictures of all my trip enveoples and the associated receipts for the trip. I try to lay them all out neatly together at the consignee while I'm being unloaded or shortly thereafter if I need to wait for a lumper receipt, and then take one picture of the whole lot.
Now & then I upload these pictures to my laptop. I crop the pictures and resize them to make them small, and save them with an appropriate name which includes the trip id and the trip date. This way I always have a copy of my receipts with me in case there are any questions from the carrier support people. The camera is also great for taking pictures of interesting events that you see out there on the road, and for getting accident pictures back to your carrier quickly. I would suggest a camera of 2-megapixel minimum. And, noone should have a problem using the copies - you've basically got the same thing as would be produced by a digital copier after all.
Get a smoke detector and mount it high in the cab. Drivers have been killed in fires in these things, and this may save your life! How many times has your A/C compressor failed/caught fire? What if you were asleep at the time?
It was mentioned before, but I also use a dry-erase marker to write directions on my windshield. It works great, and it sort of like a "head's up display". I have found some of these markers that retract, like a retractable ballpoint pen. So, I can activate the pen and write all with one hand, before retracting it and putting it away.
I have a pair of clear "sunglasses" that I use at night - especially in the winter. This keeps my eyes from drying out. In the summer when the A/C is on, somehow the air blows on my face just enough that my eyes dry out. So this has made driving much more comfortable.

Answer:

Every time this suggestion comes up I feel the need to point out one thing. Do not write anything on the windshield in your direct line of sight. This is a big No NO that will cause you grief if you are caught. Make sure that if you try this trick you write well off to the side.
Answer:
For those who do not have digital cameras.....
I suggest keeping (2)TWO disposable cameras in the trk at ALL times.(one camera for personal use & one to use if you are involved in an accident. )
I also carry a Polaroid camera with extra film.(in case I'm involved in an accident....this way I have instant pics)
When I was OTR I had my camcorder mounted on my dash.
When I was OTR I made copies of paperwork & receipts Before sending in trip envelopes.(most trkstps nowadays have copy machines or maybe find a Kinkos or copy shop nearby)
I write my directions in my notebook(sometimes I used 3 X 5 index cards) & also have the directions on my micro-cassette recorder.(some brands call them "dispatch-busters" )

Answer:
uturn is correct - should have mentioned that.
I believe I read in the DOT Safety manual that the area swept by the wipers must be clear of any stickers and such. Since there is nothing there that I could find directly mentioning writing on the windshield, I typically write outside this area as well.

Answer:
I also recommend the dry erase markers. I have never had a problem with dot. I have been told that that is a good idea by them.
I do not write in the swipe of the wippers.
I write in the top corner. Works great!
Much safer then fumbleing for paper.202 N Main Street
Summerfield Il 62289
TRUCK PARKING AVAILABLE!

Answer:
dear daytrader,
where exactly do the whippers swipe?, sounds painfull
just teasing am bored and avoiding laundry

Answer:
I recommend the mini electronic/digital hand held recorders. Not the mini cassette type.
I've used the cassette recorders in past years. The digital recorders are easier to use. You can record in different folders. You cannot do that on cassette. One button "fast" erase feature, usually less than one second,, erases all messages or just one message by number. Again, you cannot do that with a cassette.
You want to record phone conversations, you don't need a special phone cord, just aim the recorder towards the phone speaker, the pick up sensitivity on these recorders is really something.
*CAUTION: It is illegal in some states to record a conversation without the consent of all parties to the conversation, including the telephone company. Check the laws in your area before using the two-way record feature.
CB directions. Just aim the recorder at the CB speaker.
Shopping list, things to do list. You can record this info in different folders for easy and fast reference.
Do you need to keep track of your beginning/ending miles between state lines, don't write them, just record them.
I recommend a recorder that includes the HQ (High quality) recording feature like in the Radio Shack models. HQ, LP,SP. and 3 folders.
You can get them at Wal-mart, Radio Shack, prices start at a low of $30.00 and up, depending on features you want.
www.radioshack.com
www.walmart.com