Long-haul (OTR) truckers spending 2–3 weeks on the road need to be well-prepared for comfort, safety, hygiene, and efficiency. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of essentials every OTR driver should have:
Must-Haves for OTR Truckers (2–3 Week Trip)
Personal Essentials
- Clothing (10–14 days’ worth; include layers and weather-appropriate gear)
- Work gloves & safety gear (vest, steel-toe boots, rain gear)
- Toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush, razor, wet wipes, deodorant, etc.)
- Towels & shower sandals (for truck stop showers)
- Laundry bag & detergent pods (for doing laundry on the road)
Food & Drink
- Cooler or mini-fridge (if the truck doesn’t already have one)
- Non-perishable food (canned meals, instant noodles, protein bars, jerky)
- Utensils, reusable water bottle, microwave-safe containers
- Coffee maker or kettle (12V models work in trucks)
- Plenty of drinking water
Comfort & Rest
- Bedding (sheets, pillow, blanket or sleeping bag)
- Earplugs & sleep mask
- Small fan or heater (depending on season, if allowed)
- Entertainment (books, tablet, streaming device, downloaded shows/music)
Tools & Truck Essentials
- Basic tool kit (wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers)
- Tire pressure gauge & air hose
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Extra fuses, bulbs, windshield washer fluid
- Phone mount & charger
- CB radio or communication device
Documents & Tech
- Driver’s license, medical card, and truck documents
- Logbook or ELD device
- GPS (truck-specific, or app with truck routing)
- Emergency contacts & roadside assistance info
Emergency Supplies
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Reflective triangles/flares
- Spare clothes & blanket in case of breakdown
- Non-perishable snacks and extra water
