Question:
Have a few questions on what items I should
bring with me during OTR training.
Have always used a corded razor, but would a
rechargeable be more handy for a driver?
What Cell Phone Network is best? Most coverage,
for the best price?
Realize that mosst truck stops don't have workout equipment, but are Jacuzzis more common? Like the ones at the Shell Truck Stop in Holbrook, AZ?
What type of Lap Top software is best for connecting to the net while on the road?

Give me miles, miles and more miles. Truckers who drive in the Snow and Ice most of the Winter should get a nickle more per mile!

Answer:
Rechargeable shaver, yes.
Flipflops for showers.
Light sleeping bag and Pillow
Duffel not luggage
Cell Phone, whats available to you? I found AT&T 1 Rate has the best coverage and cost(no roaming)
but I haven't shopped plans in awhile and its a matter of opinion and availability anyway.
Don't really need to tell a guy 10 years older than me how to pack I'm sure.
Your carrier and/or trainer will be a good source of what you need for working with them.
Good Luck, TC

Answer:
Mostly agree with previous poster, but you should also have a letter, memo from the company you're doing OTR training with stating material you should bring with you.
Rather than repeat what's been said before here and at other sites, use the archives search functions and you should get tons of info.
Off the top I will add yoiu should have a calculator, steno notebook, at least two pens and at least one mechanical pencil with extra lead or two sharpened pencils.
Don't forget a deposit slip if your pay will be direct deposited and an ATM card for your account.
Also hold off about the laptop and cellphone until after you have upgraded to solo. No use spending money you don't have on stuff you may not need. Do check with your company if they have an 800 number family can call if they need to get in touch with you but don't expect initial comms to be direct to you. My experience is decent companies will pass family emergency info on to you via "Qualcomm". Your family should also know the 'phone number, preferably 800, for your dispatcher, fleet manager, etc.
Also whatever number of pairs of sock you will have, double it. Wearing wet socks all day in the winter is NOT a good thing. A pair of safety shoes and at least two pair of tenny runner equivalents (wet feet thing again).
Does the company you'll be training with provide you a hard hat? Some shippers/receivers won't let a driver and truck on their property without personal safety equipment, including safety goggles/glasses.
Plan on layering cloths to keep warm, not one really heavy coat (you can sweat in the winter). Layering allows you to control how much heat your body needs or you want to let escape to keep comfortable but not sweating.
Suggest a disposable razor and shaving cream. Where will you recharge an electric?
Most truck stops don't have Jacuzzis, you'll be lucky to have a cleaned shower. BOL
[This message was edited by Sealord on November 30, 2002 at 20:57.]

Answer:
There have been many posts made regarding this subject in recent months.
The company you are hiring into should be able to tell you the things you will definately need during your training period.
Like mentioned above I would forget about bringing a cell phone (you dont need the distractions of it going off. Use prepaid phone cards for calling home), laptop, and any other electronic hardware you may be thinking of. Wait on these items until you get upgraded to solo status and get your own truck. Basically, at best, you are going to be living in a walkin closet with someone else for the next several weeks and you need to keep things to the necessities.
The short answer to your question though:
1-2 weeks worth of clothes. (A mix of summer and winter with a heavier lean towords the current season)
A light weight coat and a heavier coat.
comfortable shoes
work boots
plenty of socks.
tolietry items
a small shaving kit is handy
a small duffel for taking items into the shower
rubber flip flops (shower shoes)
cloth laundry bag
sleeping bag and pillow ( a lot easier to deal with than sheets and blankets)
black ink pens
a folder for keeping important papers
a note pad
BLACK ink pens (reccomend going cheap here. Trucks like to eat them)
battery or dual powered calculater
Motor carriers road atlas (or be prepared to get one ASAP once your training begins)
All employment info for the last ten years including references.
Drivers Liscense
Soc Sec Card.
Current Long form DOT physical and Med Card (if you have one). Will probably be taking another physical but it never hurts to have this with you.
Any documentation to verify any periods of unemployment/self employment during the past 3 years.
Recent copy of your MVR.
Work gloves
Safety glasses. (Hard Hat if going into tankers or flatbeds)
Coveralls (if doing flatbed or tankers)
Any over the counter drugs you may want (Aspirin, rolaids, etc)
Any prescription medications you may be on. (Should have at least 4 weeks supply)
Emergency contact information including your doctor(s) phone number(s)
Vaioded check or deposit slip to set up direct deposit (if you are going to use this method if offered by your company).
ATM or a Visa/Mastercard Debit card/check card for accesssing your money
Dont worry about taking any tools, CB's etc.
I still reccomend doing the search function even though I have listed many of the things you will probably need as I may have forgotten a thing or two, but this should give you a good idea.
Very few truck stops have bath tubs, weight rooms, etc. The basic set up is a resteraunt or fast food stand, bathrooms, showers, and a small over priced travel store.
I have a name not a number. I am not cheap but I am resonable.
Answer:
Originally posted by EasyStreet:
Have always used a corded razor, but would a
rechargeable be more handy for a driver?
Cordless is fine but you can always plug your corded into a power inverter....if there's one in the truck. You can get one at any truckstop for $50.00

Answer:
HOW do you all DO that???! I mean, look at that list. That list looks almost exactly like my list, with only minor variations. Yet, every time I have started a new job, I am carrying 3 or 4 rollaround luggage bags, plus a couple of small handbags. And you guys?? YOU got it ALL in ONE single bag!!
Now, I've learned to cut down on the stuff I carry. I don't bring the whole kitchen anymore. I don't have many nonessentials. But I just haven't figured out how to cram it all into one bag, let alone get it all in there and have room left to zip it up without straining the zipper.
C'mon guys... give us girls a peek at your technique! :P
According to Charles Kuralt, "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."
Semisweet

Answer:
The list is somewhat over rated, let's be real about this now. How much junk can you fit in a truck?

Answer:
Lightfoot, that's because you are a truck driver he is a trainee. When he's done with training then he can go home and get every thing else. It takes 2 bags just to get the stuff out I want at home when I'm off. It would take at least 2 more if I took it all out.
If you think this list is over rated sleepyhead you should have seen a past one. They told the newbie exactly what tools he would need (hand tools), duct tape and all. An exact count of socks, undies, pants etc.. That was really over rated. Unless of course someone needs those types of directions.
EasyStreet to answer your questions. You can take a cordless razor but you'll need a way to charge it. The inverter idea is pretty good. You'll eventually want one anyway. Then you can use your electric razor.
Cell Phones are a matter of opinion. Should you have one, of course. Why not. If you get a little homesick or borred a nice fix is to call some one. When your not driving of course. They are all fairly competitive. I use Verizon and it gets good reception almost anywhere.
Exercise, I've never seen a workout area in a truck stop. I haven't really looked either. Try some long walks when time permits.
The internet software thing seems a little dificult to answer. You can use the search feature abve this posting and look for mobile internet. I know it's been discussed in the round table a few times. As for me I just use PNV, Park and View.
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"

Answer:
I hate sleeping bags, Im taking my Blankie.

Answer:
Don't forget to take along something for headaches. (trust me, you WILL Get them)

Answer:
Stop at a dollar store and get DRY (eraser board) markers to write directions on the windshield, a bottle of spray cleaner (something like Windex) to clean it off, a roll of paper towels and a couple of blue and black ball point pens to write through the carbon copies.
If they have a glass cleaner in a spray bottle definitely pick that up also. If not try WalMart, Kmart or a car parts store.
Note: Isoprophyl alcohol and a paper towel can clean the windshield wiper blades.

Answer:
You'll be sitin around whether its in a truck on on a dock .....please stand by hand.
time waits for no one, and it wont wait for me.

Answer:
Originally posted by xcis:
Stop at a dollar store and get DRY (eraser board) markers to write directions on the windshield, a bottle of spray cleaner (something like Windex) to clean it off, a roll of paper towels and a couple of blue and black ball point pens to write through the carbon copies.
If they have a glass cleaner in a spray bottle definitely pick that up also. If not try WalMart, Kmart or a car parts store.
Note: Isoprophyl alcohol and a paper towel can clean the windshield wiper blades.
For starters. Anything that interferes with the drivers vision is prohibited, and writing on the windshield will definately do just that. A better alternative would be to purchase one of those clipboards with a mount and mount it in an easy to say spot that does not interfere with your vision.
Secondly: The use of alcohol on wiper blades will dry out the rubber and shorten the life of the blade. Plain water and a towel works just as well and will not damage the blades.
Only two things I know of are infinite. The universe and human stupidity, and I am not real sure about the universe.
Third: Ink pens. Get and stick with black ink pens. This is really the preferred color for writing on legal documents and also many companies now use scanners to enter your log book pages into the computer for auditing and if you use any color excpet black the scan will not show up properly.
Answer:
Originally posted by lightfoot:
HOW do you all DO that???! I mean, look at that list. That list looks almost exactly like my list, with only minor variations. Yet, every time I have started a new job, I am carrying 3 or 4 rollaround luggage bags, plus a couple of small handbags. And you guys?? YOU got it ALL in ONE single bag!!
Now, I've learned to cut down on the stuff I carry. I don't bring the whole kitchen anymore. I don't have many nonessentials. But I just haven't figured out how to cram it all into one bag, let alone get it all in there and have room left to zip it up without straining the zipper.
C'mon guys... give us girls a peek at your technique! :P
_According to Charles Kuralt, "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything." _
Semisweet
Any time I start a new job I manage to get everything packed into 2 bags. Of course since I am an experienced driver I also manage to sneak in a few simple hand tools and my CB radio into the mix. It really is simple to do. If you have a main bag like mine that is large enough for the average 6 year old to get into comfortably. Of course you do get the work out carrying the thing around as fully loaded it weighs around 80 lbs. Thank God it has wheels
Only two things I know of are infinite. The universe and human stupidity, and I am not real sure about the universe.
Answer:
and things I kick myself in the behind for not bringing.
Laundry detergent. Stuff in the truck stops is very expensive.
Motrin......you WILL get a headache!
Pad and pens......buy a pack of pens.
enough clothes so you aren't doing laundry every three days!!!!!
Shower shoes
shampoo,deoderant,toothbrush and paste.
Chewing gum....
a small umbrella
work gloves
small flashlight with extra batteries.
sunglasses
camera
Personally I wouldn't worry about a laptop right now. There is room in Bob's Classic, but with his stuff and mine, the shelves were packed!
Munchies. Go to Costco,BJ's Sams Club, where ever and get munchies. Your hands get "busy" from hours of nothing to do. Snacks in truck stops are expensive.
Eating on the road is pricey too.......
Most importantly an open mind and a good attitude. You WILL see things you never thought you'll ever see.....