What are /r/Trucking's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

Works great. Butane available at nearly any place that sells camping supplies. Every Walmart. And most truck stops. Same as the overpriced burner that Burton sells at truck stops.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-Camp-Bistro-1-Burner-Butane-Camp-Stove/34761205

First the good news: You're not sitting still in a constant field since you're driving through it and you get moderate shielding from your cab.

Now the bad news: This isn't a medical x-ray it's a security X-ray used to penetrate metal, so it has a higher MeV than a normal x-ray. The TSA, the wonderful branch of government that they are, will not release any information concerning their x-ray equipment nor allow independent testing so nobody knows how high these things are really cranked up.

If it becomes a constant thing of passing through the scanners I would look into getting documentation of your exposure and start carrying a personal dosimeter to get a ballpark of what your dose is. Documentation wise, just anything that says, "Yes, driver X drove through a scanner."

For the dosimeter you can buy some fairly cheap wallet dosimeters on amazon. These are good for ballparking at best, but can be included in your medical records as a means to indicate potential precursors to cancer. There are others that you can reset yourself and reuse, but after a certain amount of time they are unreliable.

If I was getting X-rayed more than once a week I would ask my company to sign up for a dosimetry monitoring program. They will provide you with a more accurate film badge and cycle them out every quarter and give you quarterly dose reports and the documentation of exposure will be from an accredited monitoring program.

Okay...the best way to approach this is to find a job you want and see what their minimum qualifications are. One of the best sites IMO is indeed.com. I put CDL in the search engine and put your city in. Here's an example. http://www.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=Coal-City-Cob&t=CDL+Tanker+Driver&jk=094320bf94be9728&sjdu=QwrRXKrqZ3CNX5W-O9jEvSDBZz9fJXB07pakKeJK9yctPLiq8eRGICVo6ciY_aYrVIF_oDbFPvi5GjzQgKdtpDvXnLZAUr78JneAtE_yZaE&pub=pub-indeed

If that's the job you want then talk to the hiring person and see what their minimum experience will be. If they're short of drivers they may waive the 1 year experience for example.But you should also google that company to see what other drivers are saying about it. Or the old fashioned way, follow a driver from that company and ask him about that company.

Never really see them talked about in this sub

Steven's Transport indeed.com Reviews

Steven's pissedconsumer.com

It looks like all the same complaints you see with all the training companies, the recruiters lie to you, the pay is going to suck, don't expect to be able to feed and house a wife and kids. If you're looking at a work contract actually read it and go for the one you like best.

> Knight (im further than 100 miles from they're Charlotte terminal)

That doesn't make sense, that 100 miles should be for a dedicated account not for otr.

You realize Tahuya is in the middle of nowhere, right? It's on the Olympic peninsula and ~30-40 miles from the nearest even medium-sized town. (Shelton, WA or Bremerton, WA). That said, here's a few jobs that turned up in Shelton. No idea if they're good companies, etc. Just found them via a Google search.

also if you have a decent enough computer you can download a demo for this trucking simulator, "euro truck simulator 2" its cabovers but it pretty good for understanding how the trailer turns with the tractor.

There are two ways to get demo, first from makers of game. and second from Steam, you have to make account but its really fast download. (demo download through steam is on right side of page)

http://www.eurotrucksimulator2.com/download.php

http://store.steampowered.com/app/227300/

Here's another 2 minutes:

http://www.indeed.com/cmp/Millennial-Transport-Services/jobs/Truck-Driver-Class-CDL-b781bc7e2edb98d7?sjdu=8rtNt2Wc5mjpfcE6e2HLDwQUIbnkHNc8P_lsiLbD9KO-RL7Fjpm_F8FPre7QbnGJ

I-10, Volvo's (although they also have other tractors that you may have to drive), company drivers.

You're right, this is SO hard. SO time consuming.

I use this in the sleeper, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AQEQNA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_TSk-tb0F4Y1JM

And one of the blower air lines that hook up to the line that powers my drivers seat for quick cleaning up front. Also useful while driving with the Windows down to blow off gauges etc.

This app gave me everything I needed to know to pass all the exams. I just took practice tests over and over and remembered the correct answer when I got questions wrong. There were some questions on the actual exam that weren't covered on the practice tests, but I still got high scores

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jeffreydiaz.android.app.cdlprep

Truck drivers and truck drivers-at-heart can download three free ebooks from now until September 22 at this site:

https://sites.google.com/site/truckerlit/

Me and You and a Truck Named Blue, and the sequels, Jake Breaks and Rocky Road.

In honor of Trucker Appreciation Week, September 16-22, these books will be available for free until September 22.

Here's another 2 minutes:

http://www.indeed.com/cmp/Millennial-Transport-Services/jobs/Truck-Driver-Class-CDL-b781bc7e2edb98d7?sjdu=8rtNt2Wc5mjpfcE6e2HLDwQUIbnkHNc8P_lsiLbD9KO-RL7Fjpm_F8FPre7QbnGJ

I-10, Volvo's (although they also have other tractors that you may have to drive), company drivers.

You're right, this is SO hard. SO time consuming.

I found this. Do you think this would fit my truck?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dual-Electronics-DC206BT-Single-DIN-In-Dash-CD-Receiver-with-Bluetooth/49585395?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227037947535&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=80417847769&wl4=pla-177640578...

I eat organic oatmeal with sliced straberries every moning, sometimes I'll do a scramble with 2 eggs and diced ham and some veggies, like onions, green pepper, and mushrooms. If you do not have an inverter or APU, these will not be valid option, but I cook the oatmeal in a 700w microwave, 90 sec then 30 seconds, stirring after each, or I use a Oster 12" skillet, $25 at wally world https://www.walmart.com/ip/Oster-12-DuraCeramic-Skillet-Black/27436248, if you watch Jeffery Like on youtube, he does lots of cooking videos for in the truck, and this is the skillet he uses for everything, Jacobly has great truck cooking videos as well, but with a crock pot.

https://roadtrippers.com/trips/tentative-1/531946f32b939fe8d300006b

That's my route. I'm going to Cleveland, then down to Columbus and then Indianapolis, then Louisville KY, before hitting St. Louis.

I didn't last long trying to use a TV/console if I had to have my own of both. Too much shit to jostle around and set up every time, unless the truck comes with a TV mounted, which I never had. I doubt a company that doesn't wouldn't go through to trouble if you bought a tv and would mount it for you, or even let you.

I had one of these.

Never had a problem with a ps3 slim and one of these running on a 300W. Look up power draw stats for whatever console you have. Obviously, the ps4 slim would draw less power than a launch ps4.

Scubs in a Bucket

These things are life savers... Then there's the myriad chargers I carry around with me on a daily basis...

I've had this one since Christmas. Works great for me, the suction cup is sticky, so it'll stick to surfaces that aren't perfectly smooth, I've got mine mounted to a flat spot above the parking brake buttons.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BZC262Q/ref=s9_top_hd_bw_b4WC4_g107_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-11&pf_rd_r=E1FYK85TA1WACBCFPM1S&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=5a86fc40-f719-5692-a63b-41aedc84f224&pf_rd_i=1077068

Some gift ideas (disclaimer, it's my website): http://truckdrivergifts.com

Personally the gifts I would love most to receive would be either a Sta-Rat Tandem Release Tool or Audible.com gift certificate.

Asolo Fugitive GTX. I loved them so much I bought two more pair. One for work, one for regular life, and a pair in the closet for down the road. Expensive but awesome.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XRFWZI/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_-Fl3xbE2RWR84

Propane delivery here...

I use one of these bad boys and it's made a world of difference. You can even get a bluetooth version that doesn't use an aux cord. I've also fallen asleep listening to podcasts for the past 10 or so years so that helps but like the other guys have suggested, some white noise really goes a long way, especially with one of these sleep bands.

Have you ever considered using a crock pot? RoadPro for $33

Hey, the PS4 is connected to a 400w DC invertor, and it works fine. The TV is connected to another DC invertor, but I feel like I need an upgrade on that one since it doesn't put out as much energy as the TV needs, it will sometimes shut down. The console works like a charm though. The TV is 24 inch (max T680 mount can hold) Vizio smart TV with Netflix, YouTube, you name it, and obviously built in Wi-Fi. https://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-D24-D1-Class-Smart-Black/dp/B01A0LGS7W

I just use a arm sleeve on my left arm while driving. Accomplishes same thing as a long sleeve shirt but easier to put on or take off while driving if you need it or not. Not the one I have but they are all the same basically. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DC0ETHY?psc=1

If you have an inverter in the truck, you can find a lightly used mini fridge for under $100 on craigslist.

If not, my dad has a cooler with a basic heat exchanger and a computer fan on it. It plugs into the cigarette lighter and uses barely any power. A bag of ice will last him days but the heat exchanger gets frost buildup so you have to clean it off every 24 hours or else the fan blades start hitting it.

EDIT: This is what he has. You can even set it on the side and it will open like a normal fridge but you can't have ice like that or it will spill out. http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Quart-PowerChill-Thermoelectric-Cooler/dp/B0083F8YZC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1463780138&sr=8-2&keywords=12v+cooler

Yeah all the things you mentioned along with FMCSA rulings and other laws, hauling and dealing with hazmat emergencies, extreme weather.

This was our textbook. It was 34 chapters if I remember correctly. There were chapter tests and a final and all that good stuff.

I'm always in a different truck so I just use a set of bluetooth headphones they're cheap and work and sound better than any expensive pair I've had. They also work great for talking on the phone which is what their mainly for.

We're basically required to have bluetooth to talk on our phones and there's only 1 state where a device like this is actually illegal and that's Colorado.

Here is the newer one like I had, and nowhere does it say LTE. Phone doesn't have LTE. Not even licensed to sell in the states, no returns!
http://www.amazon.com/BLU-Studio-6-0-HD-Smartphone/dp/B00PYWQAJY

Get one of These and if needed a sleep mask.

been stuck at one of my backhauls many times and I simply use the chance for a nap.

Wow thanks man, I really appreciate all that. Now would you think these gloves would work? I've got Amazon Prime and they were the closest I could find.

http://www.amazon.com/Mechanix-Wear-MCW-WA-008-Winter-Impact/dp/B0061PRQEQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1448471953&sr=8-2&keywords=winter+impact+pro&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011

http://www.amazon.com/Procter-Gamble-003700029910-Swiffer-Sweeper/dp/B00512DYKA/

And those 15 packs of Micro Fiber cloths at walmart. The terrycloth towels work too... and windex. Windex is amazing on these floors.

That swiffer comes in two pieces. I just use the handle.

You can get a refurbished rand mcnally for cheap($169.99)

I have the same model in the link and would get the same one again.

You might laugh, but I'm serious when I say this is the best BT device I've ever used

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010867GGQ?keywords=EGRD%20Upgrade%20Version%20Apt-X%20Bluetooth%204.0%20Wireless%20Sports%20Stereo%20Headsets%20%2C%20Part%20Support%20Voice%20Control%20Function%20Music%20Earphones%2C%20Universal%20Neckband%20Hea...

I had an LG one that cost about $100 and died after a few months.

This product is missing some of the features of a more expensive headset, but for $20 you can't really go wrong. It is loud and everyone can hear you clearly.

Also, if it fails on you, you're only out $20.

If you like phone holder this one is amazing. Ram X Mounts The military use it too. They can be adjusted anyway since they have a ball on each end. They make larger size ones that hold tablets etc.

Buy noise canceling headphones and listen to books to fall asleep or white noise http://www.amazon.com/Bose-QuietComfort-Acoustic-Cancelling-headphones/dp/B00M1NEUKK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1440870527&sr=1-1&keywords=bose+quietcomfort+25

I'm not a trucker, so pardon me if this is naive, but wouldn't a security lock like one of these defeat all but a fairly determined passenger? It wouldn't eliminate the problem, but at least it would push them to someone else's truck.

For my dry-van OTR application: Inside the truck --> www.amazon.com/dp/B001HZZ660 Outside the truck --> www.amazon.com/dp/B003FGXDJ6/

If I were doing more stops or labor intensive work, I'd stick with the "outside" shoes full time.

Get these. They're made by Reebok, are super light, composite toe (still ANSI rated) and feel like a tennis shoe. Not clunky in any way and the side zipper makes them easy on and easy off in a New York Minute.

I'm pretty bad about using my phone as well. Any spare moment and I'm looking at something. Usually Reddit...

The human body is predisposed to sleep at night. From what I can tell most solo drivers try to keep to at least a reasonably close day / night wake / sleep schedule.

I started using an app called Twilight . It puts a red tint on the screen and lowers the illumination to predefined fully customizable settings. The red light is supposed to filter out the blue light which is what your eyes respond to which keeps you awake. Since I've been using it I found that I can get to sleep reasonably quickly once I turn it on. If I forget I can noticeably feel myself getting less tired as I use the phone.

I've been using an app to keep my logs for a few weeks. Right now it's just like paper logs. My company is planning to subscribe to their full service later on to fulfill the requirements of eLogs in Nov 2017.

In order to make the logs I'm currently using fully compliant the app will connect to a device using Bluetooth. The device will be plugged into the truck using that port they use to hook up a computer to do diagnostics.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.keeptruckin.android

You're going to get all kinds of people saying this and that are best. I've asked, and used most of the name brand models. This is my choice.

Copilot truck, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alk.copilot.market.uscanada.truck

It's cheaper then a standalone, gets better and faster map updates. Uses 0 cell phone data, maps are stored on phone so it won't stop working if your phone has no signal. Routing customizable for truck height, width, length, hazmat, ect.

The drawbacks from the standalone units come with minimal map updates if any ever. It's now taking up more space on the windshield.