[dcedlr]

Hi guys, I begin my driving career on Oct 8th at Arrow most likely. Was wondering if there are some things I should purchase before going out on the road that would make my life easier; such as items that make tarping or chaining loads easier. Also, clothing, shoes, and things like that. I really appreciate the help. I want to go into this armed with the equipment I need to secure loads safely and professionally, yet be able to save a little time. Thanks for your help.

[Skywalker]

Steel toed shoes, coveralls, hardhat, good sense of balance, some common sense... and a box of babywipes.

Best of Luck in your new venture!!

[Jimbpard]

A decent flash light with extra batteries.
WD40 or PB Blaster for your ratchets & chains.
A few pair of "Bronco" brand gloves (if you can find em)
A ski mask.
Regular hammer.
Small roll of tie wire & cutters.
A decent rain coat or cheap ponco..Depending how important staying dry is to you.
If you wear contacts or glasses, always a extra pair, and extra solution/cases.
And my most important of all......A Carhartt "ShirtJac"

Hope this helps.

[terrylamar]

Strap winder.
Square edge protectors.
Strap pusher.
Make a edge protector installer.
Small bungiees for straps.

[nrvsreck]

One thing I liked was a fifth wheel puller for difficult tarping jobs. Comes in handy for all sorts of things. Also, a 4' (roughly) section of heavy iron pipe for popping snap binders into place. Believe me, I've had some bad (very bad) experiences using winch bars to pop snap binders into place.

[Fozzy]

A tanker... :lol:

[Uturn2001]

If you are a total newbie and will be going out with a trainer I would not worry about purchasing too many items until you get your own truck.

Steel toed boots with a skid resistant sole are a must.

Cover alls. 2 sets...one insulated and one uninsulated.

[FreeKen]

UTurn is right wait until you get your own truck to buy things, the winch bar, strap winder, helmet, disposable camera you can get through the company,
some shippers/receivers require a safety vest, safety glasses and long-sleeved shirt, hearing protection in addition to the steel-toed shoes . . . when you get your truck go over to wal-mart and pick up some tarp bungees (the one's with the ball on the end) to keep your straps neat in the box . . .
cambuckle straps to keep your tarps rolled up and 1 inch ratcheting straps to secure them to your headache rack . . .
I have an adjustable folding ladder from Lowes that cost about $99 and it fits in my belly box . . .
unless you like to fly 90# kites I would suggest a couple of ankle weights that you can attach to the bottom ends of your tarps . . .
we haul a lot of aluminum for ALCO or SAPA and they're requiring us to use rope on the ends (front/back) of our tarps to prevent damage
hope that helped some

[Blind Driver]

Helper.

[steelhauler2007]

One thing for sure is a long sleeve shirt.Most steel mills REQUIRE one before you enter the plant.Your trainer will tell you what you need.Good Luck.