Hubby’s new job started this week. He’s gone back to over the road truck driving. Neither of us are thrilled with the time he’ll spend away from home but at least it will pay the bills!

Outfitting a new truck can be quite a daunting task. Especially if you’ve new to the profession. A properly stocked truck can reduce your out of pocket expenses commonly seen on the road as well as make the trip more comfortable. As the wife and daughter of truck drivers, I’ve got unique insight on the profession. If you or your significant other is considering a career as a truck driver or owner operator, here’s a few money saving supplies and strategies to help give you a smooth start.

• clothes – pack enough full changes of clothes for at least a week (or however long your significant other expects to be on the road). It’s time consuming for your trucker hubby to do laundry on the road. This means he’s driving less accruing fewer miles therefore reducing his paycheck. If your fella’s out for a month or more at a time then it pays to send a roll of quarters and some detergent with him. In this case, it’ll save space in his truck plus you won’t have a mountain of laundry to get done when his gets home! 
• toiletries – Some truck stops offer toiletries, towels and such with the purchase of a shower ticket but it most guys have a preference for their own stuff. Just pack it in plastic baggies to avoid spillage. Don’t forget to pack those razors, hair styling products, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

*Yes, your man will have to pay to shower but there are ways around this cost. Many large truck stops offer free loyalty member cards which provide bonuses and perks for repeat customers. Every time he buys fuel or anything else from them he accumulates points towards free showers and other member perks. (It’s like frequent flyer miles for the truck driver.)

• shower shoes like flip flops – Most truck stop showers are clean but think of it like a locker room. You never know what kind of fuglies are lurking on the floor. Wearing a pair of cheap flip flops could prevent an attack of athlete’s foot!
• bedding & pillows for the sleeper berth – Most companies don’t provide bedding in the sleeper so make sure your trucker brings along his favorite blankie, pillow and teddy bear for a comfortable nights’ sleep! ;D
• atlas – I know we’re goin’ old school here but if you don’t have the cash to shell out for GPS and the truck’s not outfitted with one, then your truck driving man will need to know how to get from point A to point B and dispatchers don’t always get the best directions! lol Regardless, it’s just good sense to have an atlas as a back…you never know when Lola decides to go on the fritz!!!
• cb radio – Some may argue this isn’t really a necessity but in my book, it is. This is one of THE MOST helpful tools for a trucker. Yes – there’s plenty of bullspit on the airways but truckers can also put out an S-O-S if they’re experiencing a problem with their truck (cell phones don’t always work you know!). All sorts of alerts are also sent over the CB airwaves: traffic jams, accidents, Amber alerts, even Mom & Pop restaurants can tell a hawngry driver where some good cheap grub can be found along the highway.
• cell phone – Some companies provide them, some don’t. Either way, it’s the best way for you two to stay connected even though your miles apart. Plus you can text and send pictures of your lives to help keep your bond strong. I put the phone on speaker so the kids and I can all talk at the same time and sometimes it seems like trucker hubby is still here.
• inverter –  Newer trucks come equipped with built in inverters but many do not! If you trucker hubby has a cell phone, laptop, coffee maker or any other device requiring a traditional plug, you will need an inverter. You can find them at any truck stop, some automotive stores, and possibly mass retailers like Wal-Mart.
• groceries – You can buy quality products cheaper than your driver husband can on the road. The more meals your hubs eats out of the truck means fewer dollars spent in restaurants, fast food joints, and truck stops. Investments in small appliances like a hot plate, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee pot really maximizes your long term budget. Look for these things on Craigslist or Freecycle to reduce your start up cost.
• laundry & empty grocery bags – will help keep the truck clear of trash and dirty laundry.
• pictures of the family – Truckers like to show off the family to other truckers. Send lots of pictures with him so you guys will be the last thing he sees before he goes to bed.

Here’s another tip: Arrive at orientation prepared to go out on the road! When you or your guy are called in for orientation, take all the gear you’ll need to make a full run..unless you live REALLY close to the truck yard. You won’t make a great first impression if you have to make a long drive back home to pack for a trip when orientation is over and the dispatcher wants to get you loaded!

I hope to share part of our journey back into the truck driving profession with you over the next few months as well as some resourceful articles should you or someone you know decide to enter the wild wild world of professional truck driving.

Have a question about the profession? Are you a trucker’s wife and need someone to talk to? Leave a comment or email me. I’m more than happy to lend a listening ear! ;D