What is a must have!

[sbatson]

I'm still new to this OTR deal and was trying to get some info on stuff that is a must to make the job a little more easier or better ways to make life more bearable out there.

[countryhorseman]

A good attitude!

A good work ethic!

Thick Skin, sometimes the **** just hits the wrong way, don't take it personally!

Ability to make good decisions!

OH wait! Were you talking about equipment?

A good quality cooler filled with healthy food and drinks - saves a bunch of money!

A Trucker's Road Atlas - laminated and large print! The large print version shows a few more roads than the standard one!

Will update later, phone call!

[JeffTheTerrible]

A cell phone, because matters left to the Qualcomm take forever and a day.

Coveralls, if you're doing any sort of driver load/unload, and you like your clothes.

And what of your own hobbies, personal tastes, and the like? Don't forget to accommodate those as best you can.

[bigtimba]

Patience

[sbatson]

Atlas, cell phone, food ( stuff I can keep hot untill I get a cooler or something) I got covered, and I'm working on the thick skin deal, its hard sometimes but working on it.

[Soladad]

Computer with mapping program with GPS or a Garmen like device, internet (for weather and mapping) and XM/Sirus

[countryhorseman]

Patience

OK, that was it, the 3rd important thing! Thanks for reminding me!


"Patience Hell, I'm gonna kill something!" Hey, that dispatcher looks like a quick kill!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/...614a0e.jpg?v=0

[sbatson]

Ya I hate my dispatcher he is a fool, but I work for United and I think he is the only person that dispatches for that company ( I guess they are all independently owned) so I guess I have to deal with him, but I will find out.

[countryhorseman]

Sometimes that can work for ya! Just work on his weakness' and strong points, and make them work to your advantage!

Personally, when I feel like I have a crappy dispatcher, that is not taking care of business (only once) and my interest, I do not make any bones about wanting them replaced!

Your dispatcher/fleet manager can make or break your career, and make life enjoyable or pure hell on the road!

Ya I hate my dispatcher he is a fool, but I work for United and I think he is the only person that dispatches for that company ( I guess they are all independently owned) so I guess I have to deal with him, but I will find out.

[MartenDrvrCA]

These have been posted already I believe but.


1# Cell phone.
2# Non perishables, I prefer to stock up on those canned vienna sausages and saltine crackers.
3# Bottled Water.
4# satellite radio
5# petty cash for tolls and scales
6# A heavy jacket,preferably leather or maybe even vinyl,cloth just retains moisture.
7# Boots.
8# And last but not least,a grain of salt! To take after those conversations with dispatch.

Hope that helps. BOL!

[sbatson]

Ya I had a bad 2 weeks because of him, I get paid a salary but that dont mean I want to sit there because he dont have his s@#t together, when I talk to him he seems like he cant handle it, so I'm going to bring that up too when I talk to my manager, he is based out of OKC,Ok and my office is down in Dallas and he was down there when I started out 2 weeks ago and sure in the h#@l didnt want to meet in person so he sent me on a load before I could come inside, I thought that was odd.

[classB]

These have been posted already I believe but.


1# Cell phone.
2# Non perishables, I prefer to stock up on those canned vienna sausages and saltine crackers.
3# Bottled Water.
4# satellite radio
5# petty cash for tolls and scales
6# A heavy jacket,preferably leather or maybe even vinyl,cloth just retains moisture.
7# Boots.
8# And last but not least,a grain of salt! To take after those conversations with dispatch.

Hope that helps. BOL!

I would add a small package of asprin or advil just in case. And antiacids too. It's better to have it then stop at a gas station and pay a higher price.

I'd also take some mint gum. It is refreshing.

Marten, you got to eat better than canned vienna sausages and crackers buddy. If that's your lunch/dinner make sure to take enough vitamins to last the trip.

[belpre122]

Ya I had a bad 2 weeks because of him, I get paid a salary but that dont mean I want to sit there because he dont have his s@#t together, when I talk to him he seems like he cant handle it, so I'm going to bring that up too when I talk to my manager, he is based out of OKC,Ok and my office is down in Dallas and he was down there when I started out 2 weeks ago and sure in the h#@l didnt want to meet in person so he sent me on a load before I could come inside, I thought that was odd.

Be tactful when discussing the dispatcher fool. You never know what type of relationship that he was with the boss man. It could make things get a bit dicey for you if not handled well.

Glad to see things seem to be turning around for you!

Get Sirius, not XM. You'll enjoy it much more. :wink:

[MartenDrvrCA]

These have been posted already I believe but.


1# Cell phone.
2# Non perishables, I prefer to stock up on those canned vienna sausages and saltine crackers.
3# Bottled Water.
4# satellite radio
5# petty cash for tolls and scales
6# A heavy jacket,preferably leather or maybe even vinyl,cloth just retains moisture.
7# Boots.
8# And last but not least,a grain of salt! To take after those conversations with dispatch.

Hope that helps. BOL!

I would add a small package of asprin or advil just in case. And antiacids too. It's better to have it then stop at a gas station and pay a higher price.

I'd also take some mint gum. It is refreshing.

Marten, you got to eat better than canned vienna sausages and crackers buddy. If that's your lunch/dinner make sure to take enough vitamins to last the trip.

Of course you have too eat better than vienna sausages.That was referenced in case of an emergency or getting snowed in. Sitting on the side of the road for 18 plus hours anything edible is plenty,dont need filet mignon.And I take my vitamins everyday,im not new at this :wink:

[Syncrosonix]

empty bottles of either coke/soda/pop/soda-pop, or gatorade, and boxes upon boxes of unused condoms.

[Evinrude]

a good divorce lawyer.

[matcat]

I don't think anyone mentioned the most important thing of all:

Big Case of Slim Jims (You will go thru these faster then anything)

[Syncrosonix]

I don't think anyone mentioned the most important thing of all:

Big Case of Slim Jims (You will go thru these faster then anything)

have you seen the new mega sized slim jims? man, those are sooooooo good! i consumed an entire tube of slim jims one day. by the time i had gotten to the truck stop to shut down, i felt that familiar stomach rumble, and i barely made it to a stall to drop the payload.

[matcat]

I don't think anyone mentioned the most important thing of all:

Big Case of Slim Jims (You will go thru these faster then anything)

have you seen the new mega sized slim jims? man, those are sooooooo good! i consumed an entire tube of slim jims one day. by the time i had gotten to the truck stop to shut down, i felt that familiar stomach rumble, and i barely made it to a stall to drop the payload.

I haven't seen the mega ones no, I will have to keep an eye out for them. I usually get the big box of 100 regular sized ones at the wally world and it will last me a while.

Yeah if you eat too many in one sitting, you may find yourself loosing your load before you get to the porcelain receiver The oils in them things don't make for a pretty unloading at all.

[Double R]

COMMON SENSE