On the open road as a professional truck driver, there are instances when you could experience unforeseen delays. Being delayed because of bad weather or a closed route is one of the most frequent scenarios. By assembling a well-designed driver supply kit, you may be ready in advance for any circumstance. Continue reading to discover more about what you need in such a kit and when you may need it:
Possible Causes of Delay
As was already said, various circumstances might cause your vehicle to get immobilized on the road, preventing you from moving ahead. The most frequent scenarios are described below; by being aware of what to watch for, you may better prepare for any circumstance you may encounter:
- Traffic/Road/Lane Closures: This dreadful occurrence is too prevalent for people working on the roadways. While traffic might sometimes cause a little delay, when it becomes bad enough, it can effectively halt movement just as badly as weather-related problems. With relation to that…
- Weather: The ideal storm, so to speak, may be created to impede both your movement and that of other cars if wind, ice, snow, and surprisingly low temperatures are present.
- Mechanical problems: When they happen, breakdowns might leave you stranded as you wait for help or a tow. Preparing for your travel and pre-trip inspection might reduce the likelihood of a breakdown.
The Basics of a Truck Driver’s Supplies Kit
After going through the kinds of scenarios that might cause you to get suddenly stuck on the road, it is crucial to put together the correct sort of supply pack to use in this circumstance. To assemble the best driver supply kit, think about including all or the majority of the following:
- Water: It is important to stay hydrated, so have some on available. A good general guideline is to keep one gallon of water per person every day.
- Non-perishable food: Having a few high-calorie, long-lasting items that would last a few days is a smart idea. This works well with almonds, packaged protein bars, and dried fruit.
- Warm clothes: If you need to wait out a storm, ensure you have warm clothing, especially base layers. You must stay warm since you may not always be able to use your engine.
- Blankets: Make sure you have a warm, heat-preserving blanket to wrap yourself in as you wait out a storm, for assistance after an accident, or in a traffic jam.
- First aid kit: A kit containing common supplies like painkillers, bandages, and wet wipes may be quite helpful in various situations.
- Additional cash and/or a credit card: It should be kept on hand if you need to pay for meals or any other help.
- A portable phone charger: Staying in touch requires that you always have a fully charged phone.
- Flashlight: When your headlights and inside lights go out, a torch will help you see.
- Toilet paper: For ostensible reasons.
- Basic tool kit: If you need to do small repairs to your vehicle to get it functioning.
- Extinguisher: In a fire caused by an accident or another circumstance.
- Jumper cables: To help your vehicle get going.
- Ice-scraper: A device used to clean ice off windows in cold weather.
- Emergency warning triangles: If you end up on the side of the road, they boost visibility for oncoming cars. This makes it simpler for support to locate you.
Create a Custom Kit
Be sure your equipment is appropriate for your journey and unique demands. Ensure you have enough warm clothing, for instance, if you want to drive in the winter. Be sure you have your medicine, etc., if you have diabetes.
How to Keep Your Supply Kit
Also, you are free to place your supply kit anywhere you choose in the vehicle. Just be certain that it is a spot you can reach fairly quickly and that the goods in your bag will not suffer any harm.
Always remember that certain goods should be periodically changed to ensure that they are still in excellent operating condition or secure for consumption. Instead of waiting until you are in the thick of a scenario, you should start preparing for the unexpected now. Hence, bear everything in mind while you assemble your truck driver supplies package.