Super Sticky Post it Notes for when you go solo...lol I write down my exits, highway numbers North South east west etc on a super sticky post it note (the normal post it's don't stick well enough to the dash) rather than using index cards, I do however save the directions on those cards for future use. I find sometimes when you are on busy routes it's easy to forget a number or in the example of Utah, they have changed the exit numbers. So on my notes I write down what the exit should be ie: Exit 284 Fredsville/Barneyland US 23N That way if they have changed the exit number I still know that I'm looking for the Fredsville/Barneyland exit and the route number.
Oh the laminated Motor Carriers Atlas is major important, and if you go to a truck stop now you can buy a 2006 version for less than half price (they aren't cheap to begin with, I paid 29 bucks for mine at less than half price). I also bought at the dollar store (a truckers best friend) a write on wipe off pen that I use on my laminated atlas, I can write down whatever I want and highlight my route without damaging my atlas.
Trying to outfit your truck completely on your first few runs is going to be beyond expensive. I buy a few things every paycheck instead. I bought my basics that I needed for comfort and safety. IE: Safety Vest, Steel toed boots, Eye protection. Nothing worse than getting to a yard and finding out you can't even enter it without those items (the guy I went out with a few times didn't have these things and actually needed my stuff..lol).
I always bring healthy snacks with me, a few canned goods and I would be at a loss without my 12 volt cooler. Almonds are something I highly recommend to have with you. I have found that I often either can't get into or just can't reach a Truck stop before I have to shut down either from fatigue or simply running out of hours. Rest stops are your friend..lol, but you can't always find one of those either. So be prepared to have a honey bucket, water and good quality food to keep ya going.
If you don't have a cell phone now, try to get a pre-paid one (all the truck stops have them) I usually stop at rest stops to call my receiver/shipper before I reach my destination for directions and pick up times etc. I've found though that some of the states rest areas don't have Pay phones, so I've had to use my poor abused cell phone to reach them ahead of time. Me being a canuck, it gets really expensive using my Canadian phone to call them, so I'm thinking of getting a pay as you go phone from the US instead. P.S., don't believe your dispatch, always call your destination first, as sometimes dispatch gets it all wrong as to where you are going, or what the process is when you get there. There have been instances where you are told your pick up or delivery is in one town and it turns out you are going to the wrong place..that's always fun.
Have fun and good luck
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