Every trucker is used to spending hours behind the wheel. Over time, the lifestyle of the road can become dangerous if you don’t take care of yourself. That’s especially true if you don’t have an emergency supply setup in the truck. Every trucker needs a few necessities they can turn to at a moment’s
notice. What should you always have in your cab?
Some of a trucker’s emergency necessities are personal items. Others are the required paperwork for the road and vehicle supplies. If you keep your important devices within arm’s length, you’ll be ready to grab them the second you need them.
Create a Personal Supply Kit
You’ll probably stop at truck stops and need a few essentials. Or, you might need an emergency snack if you feel your blood sugar dropping. Keep a few of these critical personal items on hand in the truck:
- A toiletry bag with necessary items like a toothbrush, deodorant, prescription medication, etc.
- A First Aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic, mild painkillers and more
- A few snacks that offer balance, not just a quick sugar rush
- Drinking water (do not rely on soda and do not drink alcohol on the road)
- An emergency blanket or heavy coat to keep warm in emergencies
Remember, some of these items expire over time. Replace them as necessary.
Don’t Forget Trucking Necessities
You can’t just look out for yourself and expect the rest of a ride to be a breeze. Your truck will also need a few emergency items to keep it in good shape. Some of these include:
- A cell phone charger and backup battery
- An atlas for times when the cell phone fails
- A steering wheel lock. Even if you have a security system, this item can add an extra layer of protection.
- An extra key that you keep hidden in a secret place in the vehicle.
- Working, stable spare tires.
- The jack, wrenches and other materials needed to change a tire.
- The cables to jump a dead battery
- An emergency gas can
- Copies of your insurance cards and commercial driving licenses. You usually must keep this paperwork in your truck, by law.
- Extra oil, engine fluids or other simple maintenance tools
Should you encounter an emergency on the road, your first line of defense is to call for assistance. Only try to fix a problem on your own if you are certain you know the cause of the issue. In many cases, your trucking insurance will include coverage for emergency roadside assistance. So, don’t hesitate to pull out your cards and call the claims line to get assistance.
Also Read: Getting a Truck Ready for Spring in Texas